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| My new grandson Kai makes the perfect model |
Isn’t that the way it is? The enemy always picks off the tired, injured, and unaware. He watches for signs of weakness and attacks when we’re most vulnerable.
What is it that wears you out? For me, it's sickness, pain, discouragement, heartache, and doubt that sap my strength. Often I overdo it, expending energy on unnecessary ventures, or trying to do for others what they should do for themselves. When I take side paths or get involved in discussions God does not intend, I lose my way. Sometimes I’m not even aware I’ve gotten behind until I feel a sudden thud against my spirit; a signal I’ve been hit. Then there’s a feeling of panic.
How can we keep from falling behind? The Bible says that God led the Israelites with a cloud by day and fire by night. Day or night they always knew what direction to go if they looked up. That’s the key for us as well. If we don’t want to get left behind, we need to keep looking up for direction. It may sound simplistic, but it works: reading the Bible every day, listening to God, and Christian fellowship are still God’s answers for making it safely to heaven (our Promised Land).
What
about when others straggle behind? Do we just leave them and keep moving? Well,
I know how I want to be treated if I
start lagging behind. It doesn’t help for someone out front to keep barking, “C’mon,
lazy bones; you’re going too slowly. Pick up the pace!” Especially if I am unable to go any faster. I want someone
to encourage me to rest, pray for me, walk with
me a while to make sure I’m not alone. I try to remember this when I notice one
of my fellow sojourners in a weakened state and falling behind.
The
sad fact is many will fall to the
enemy along the way. Some, because they neglect their own self-care or have leaders
that fail to be watchful; others, because they willfully separate from the
group. They claim they’re strong enough to defend themselves and don’t need to
be a part of the whole. I shudder when I see them fall prey to the devourer because
of their own pride and stubborn waywardness.
All
of us get worn out from time to time. If you are currently lagging behind,
please, let someone know how you feel. Reach out for a helping hand. If the
first person you talk to doesn’t respond, keep trying until you find a friend.
And look to Jesus for the strength to carry on.
He invites us all, “Are you tired? Worn out?…Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30, Message).
Here’s
the link to “Worn.” As you listen, be assured you are not alone on this journey: http://tenthavenuenorth.com/
Posts
This was a great article.
ReplyDeleteDerek,
True Love Waits, Philippines
Took time to read the Easter and some of your blogs. Darling grandson!
ReplyDeleteThe church I attend all the people feel free to raise hands, praise, and we anoint with oil when we pray for folks. It isn't for every one until
they will let them self go. Glad you feel free to enjoy His love so fully. Wish more did. When we get to heaven we can really let loose! Meanwhile, I raise my hands, close my eyes, sing and pray comfortably with others who do.
Billie
Due to a serious lagging problem I just read this post. Love the pictures and your excellent exhortation. Stress and its many causes may be culturally acceptable but it's side effects are spiritually dangerous. Thank you for the needed reminder that the enemy watches for weariness and for quoting Matthew 11:28-30. We sometimes forget how much Jesus offers us in His outstretched Hand.
ReplyDelete