Do you think God is pleased with us as we run off to another Bible Study, conference, seminr or workshop? There are many women (and men) who run after one more study, more knowledge and it seems good, it probably is good. But how much studying do we need to do before we are going out into the street and helping the homeless, or those in prison, or a frazzled young mom?
I know women who are too busy to mentor, or help the needy because they are attending several studies. How many studies to we need to attend before we feel ready to apply that which we've studied?
What about me? Am I so consumed with ministry within the church that I have forgotten about those women outside the church that need to hear about Jesus? How much do I have to KNOW before I feel ready to share the love of Jesus to those who have never heard?
There are women who are dying in their sin, they are longing for answers, for love, for a connection, but I'm so busy with "church" I don't have time. Is God pleased?
So this is what I was thinking before I got here to Panera's. Then I read a devotion from Come Away My Beloved by Frances J. Roberts and it had this to say;
My promises are of no avail to you execpt as you apply and appropriate them by faith. In your daily walk, you shall be victorious only to the degree tha tyou trust Me....Overburdened as the world is with trouble and sickness, I need those who have proved My sufficiency in everyday, personal experience to lead the suffering to the fountains of life. I need those who have found Me as burdenbearer to help bring deliverance to the oppressed.
Never begrudge time given to chronic complainers, but recognize in each encounter the opportunity to speak a word that my lead to their leberation. No case is too hard for Me. Never be taken by surprise when I use you to change a pattern. do not judge a man by what he appears to be, but see him as what he can be if he gives himself unreservedly to Me.
So I am left with this question; If I make myself completely available to God what life can God change through me?
Oh Father show me Thy will.....
Good thoughts, Sharon! You are so right! It's kind of like reading weight loss books, but not dieting...it does nothing for me! It just fills my head with facts about how to lose weight! A Bible study here and there is fine...but am I seeking the Lord on my own? Am I having my own time at home, asking how to LIVE IT OUT?
ReplyDeleteGreat question, Sharon!
Have fun at Panera! Have a bagel for me!!
You're my first winner! Come choose your prize and send me your address to my e-mail at tiffanystaylor@hotmail.com. ~Blessings!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. We need to mentor. Christians seem to be too concerned with busyness. Thank you for an encouraging post. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI think you have hit the nail on the head here. I do think some are to caught up in running to & fro to various meetings and conferences. Learning and never coming to the knowledge of truth. We just need to be used where He is placing us on a daily basis and we never know for sure what might open up to us each and every day. Great thought provoking post.
ReplyDeleteSusan
Count me as one of those frazzled moms today! Oh mercy! Thank God for His grace. I was just talking with another mom yesterday, who is around my age, about the need for mentors. We as younger women really want those Titus 2 women to teach us to love our husbands and families, to be busy at home, etc... Not with a I-know-it-all mentality and let me hand you down all my wisdom, but with a I've been there and by the grace of God lived through that and here are some things God taught me that may help you. We really want to do what we're called to do, but often feel the pressure to just be busy with stuff, not necessarily what God's called us to do. (If that makes sense) I get frustrated when we start doing so much in the name of the Lord but don't really do what He's told us to. And I am one of the few blessed ones with a mom who mentors me and teaches me much- I can't imagine those who don't have that, how much they desire for a mentor!
ReplyDeleteAMEN my friend!! Women need women who are strong and come along side them to help them go through what they cannot at that time in their life alone!! I just preached this in an e-mail to our women in our biker ministry. We need to help each other
ReplyDeletewith the love and strength of Jesus!
Thanks for your heart on this:) Have a Blessed day:)
How timely... our Bible study lesson this week focuses on availability. One quote taht struck me is: "God wants to use our availability more than our ability. Have you ever said, "God, please use me; I'm available.'?" (Martha Tyler) Sometimes we get so hung up on ability, that we forget God can give us the ability if only we are available.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thought provoking post! I do feel that we as a church are often too busy doing this and that program or class that we do not have the time or energy left to minister to those who are hurting or in need who are right before us, much less those who are not in our church, and that is a sad thing.
ReplyDeleteI have been feeling lately that God has been wanting me to make my plate less full, for 2 reasons, one being that I will begin homeschooling next year and the 2nd being that He wants me more available for ministering and helping others when I hear of a need... so I am clearing my plate, and listening for His voice...
Blessings!