Okay, my sweet friends! How was your first week of study? I know I was convicted of some things and how ironic was it that I found somedays I was just too "worn out" to do the study??! :S I know some of you know what I'm talking about. I really think that God has placed each one of us in contact with this very study on this very blog for a reason! I am so glad you are here!
So...what makes us tired? When I read that question, I just kind of scoffed and thought of my circumstances...how can I NOT be tired? I have two small children, a full time job, I am 5 months pregnant, and a newly blossoming ministry. BUT...God still wants us to be obedient to Him and do as HE has called us, not necessarily what WE have called ourselves to. I have heard this before and Angela reminds of this during the study this week: "Even good things need to go if they are standing in the way of what God has called you to." So, I would ask discussion on this topic....what can you cut out of your life that is making you tired?
I love that God has given us permission and actually commanded that we rest! GREAT NEWS!! We do not have to be everything to all people! That is so hard - especially for women. We strive for perfection and we should strive for that but with the knowledge that we will never achieve it. The very fact that Jesus REQUIRED rest and took it makes me realize how very important it is. God wants us to come to Him and He will give us rest for our souls.
In days 4 and 5, Angela walks us through 8 lessons concerning God's provisions for the worn out. Which one(s) of those spoke to you the most? For me it was #6 - Repentence leads to refreshing. I have done a lot of SERIOUS repenting in the past year! I have DEFINITELY been refreshed but God is not done with me yet. I have realized that even the little things need repentance and am convicted of feeling "done" in my repentance. The other one that was big for me was #8 - Godly friends refresh your soul. So often I spend my energy and time doing everything in my power to be someone's friend or have someone like me. It is dumb to me when I think about how much time and energy I spend trying to get others to like me and like being around me. If I have to try that hard and WEAR MYSELF OUT, it isn't worth it! I have some AMAZING friends!!! I have friends, as we probably all do, that play different roles in our lives. I have about 3 friends who truly are soul refreshers for me. I can call them at any time of the day (or text, facebook, or email) and they are always there with a prayer or an encouraging word. I am BLESSED beyond measure with those kinds of friends. May I strive to be that for my friends as well.
Where do you go when you are worn out? I know we have all been there and might be there now. You might be worn out after reading what all I just wrote!!! :) I hope that this Bible study and this group of "friends" refreshes your soul and helps you on your journey in being "BRAVE" enough to seek God's guidance on issues we all face but don't want to talk about.
Love you all! And, let's talk.......ready...set...GO!!!!!!!!!!!!
One thing I have been convicted about is leaving work at work. There was a point this past year that I was working at school til 5 and then coming home and working too before and after my kids went to bed. I have been working on this but I felt God reaffirming this conviction and telling me this area still needs improvement.
ReplyDeleteThe two lessons that stuck out to me are choosing to walk in the good way and godly friends. There have been several situations work related when it would have been easier to act and respond negatively and deceitfully like those around me, but through prayer and encouragement I choose the good way and was refreshed. I can also see where I went with the crowd and became more worn out. I have a small group of godly friends who encourage me and refresh me. I hope I'm that kind of friend for someone else. Those women are such blessings to me.
I have realized that most of my worn out comes from relying on me and thinking I have it under control. I also thought of times that I counted on my godly friends to pull me through difficult times. God is showing me that a gift (godly friends) can become a problem when I put it before Him. My goal is to find at least 5 minutes outside of "quiet time" to spend quietly and deliberately in His presence.
That is a really good goal, Kaydi. All of this reminds me of a poem I learned when I was in youth.
ReplyDeleteI got up early one morning and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish, I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me and grew heavier with each task;
Why doesn't God help me, I wondered; He answered, "You didn't ask."
I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me - He said, "But you didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."
I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.
by Grace L. Naessens
Isn't it crazy that when we have so much to do we never make time for God, but those our the times we need His peace and rest the most!
I am trying to catch up, really enjoying the book!
Kimberly
Ok, so I did keep up with my study last week, I was just on vacation away from internet! I won't say how much catching up I need to do this afternoon for this week...
ReplyDeleteI feel that having 2 children in 2 years wore me out!! So, I eliminated most extra things from my life just to survive. Things are getting a little easier these days. My concern is making sure that I am still doing the things that God wants me to do- that I don't eliminate the thing that He has called me to do for another "good thing" because I don't seek Him sincerely about the decision. I also found as I answered questions that when I am wearing out (usually from the question/argument over why Siah can't watch a movie which we do every hour or so it seems), I am mean to my family. Not a good thing. I have been challenged to spend daily time refreshing with God and asking for His help to give me strength to take care of my family in a godly way even when I'm worn down.
He's already promised that He will- I just have to turn to Him first before I try to do it all on my own :) I guess that would by #1- The Presence of God Restores and probably #6 like Kaydi referenced that reacting in the right way would probably make it easier for me as a mom anyway!
Ok...I know it's Wednesday, but I'm just now getting to the blog this week. Ive loved the study and it's really been an eye opener for me.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I've let one of my accounts go this week. It had to do with rewriting the contract and such, a bunch of business info you don't want to hear. It's one I do 5 nights a week and it's kept me from being a part of activities that I would love to participate in. It's right at the time when bible studies begin and so forth. I felt it was a mission field, and it really was, however I've prayed about it and feel it's time to stop. I just feel the Lord is opening this time for Him.
Second, The Lord has opened some old wounds this week He wanted me to Be Brave and deal with. I spoke with a cousin and aunt about my life growing up, it wasn't a bowl of cherries to say the least, and discovered they didn't know. I always assumed they did and just turned a blind eye to it all. The Lord has allowed me to give forgiveness in this area and to receive love from others.
I want to feel the freshness of God's cool waters this week as I turn to Him and His leading.
Hey, I think I'm doing this wrong.....I don't see the blog for this week, the 28th....Isn't this for Tuesdays? I'm confused. I'm getting soooo old!
ReplyDeleteNo, you're not doing it wrong. I fell asleep about 3 times while trying to do the post. Sorry, ladies, I will get up this week's post tonight.
ReplyDeleteRikki
Kim, glad to hear that God has been working in your life this week.
ReplyDelete