Carry Over
It is much easier to fit in with the world around us than it is to stand out and live differently as Jesus called us to do. But as true disciples of Christ we know that our lives will be more blessed when we follow His instructions. The lifestyle that Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount is the complete opposite of what is accepted and expected in the world we live in.
Jesus began His message by saying, “You have heard it said”….. and then added, “But I say.” He made it very clear that His ways are not the world’s ways and His instructions for His followers will be radically different from world views, which will make us stand out as beacons of hope and light to others.
What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Matthew 6:33-34
The week before I was scheduled to leave on vacation I found myself completely burnt out, tired of working and dreading those final days before departure. In my mind being on vacation would solve all my worries and I would be relaxed and stress free.
I was having an emotional meltdown one afternoon as more and more work requests were called in and my to-do list seemed to be extending. My mind began counting down the days and I was telling myself one more day, one more day. Then in a pity party I called out to God and asked for peace.
His response was that the vacation would not fix anything. The attitude I had for the week would carry over into the vacation so I needed to choose wisely what that would be. Then He lovingly showed me that each task required would help me to finish everything before I left and I would then have peace knowing everyone was taken care of. The work load was a gift. He then reminded me of one of the Truth Scripts that reads, “I will be steeped in the Word; encourage other in it, and let thanksgiving drive me to perseverence.” Colossians 3:16
God doesn’t want me to focus on next week or next month. He wants my focus on today and for me to see that He has already provided everything I will need for this day, these moments, and these tasks. Just as He has already provided for whatever lies ahead in the future.
His heart is not for me to live in dread for the days ahead, but rather to see each one as the gift it is. I can be thankful for the strength, wisdom, and opportunities that He is providing as He helps me persevere when I feel like giving up. He is in each of those days and moments, therefore they are good no matter how full they may be.