There is excitement in the air at our house. Tomorrow classes will resume at the university where my husband teaches and our son attends. This week I am adding a new role- leader of a women's Bible study at church and online.
"Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." -Matthew 11:29-30, NLT. As I read those verses this morning I thought, how can Jesus say that? How can He say "My burden is light?" I am fixing to lead a Bible study- me, the shy one, the one who prefers to sit at His feet and listen to His word, the one who takes on jobs where I can be behind the scenes rather than in the public eye. How can He say His burden is light?! I started to focus on the earlier part of that verse: For My yoke fits perfectly. I love how the New Living Translation renders that. He has perfectly fitted me for the work I am to do. What is this burden He has laid upon me? It's not the Bible study, it's not the writing, it's not the housework or anything else -it is simply to be obedient. God is with those who obey Him- I read that this morning too, in Psalm 14:5.
"The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; He looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks God." -Psalm 14:2, NLT Sadly, the psalmists answer was that God could find no one. When God looks down over the human race today, that is not what I want Him to see. I want Him to find you and me seeking Him, gaining understanding and wisdom from the time we spend with Him each day. That is the heart that motivates me to write this blog, to be available as a tool to lead a Bible study, to pray for the women I come in contact with.
In Proverbs I read, "Wisdom is a tree of life for those who embrace her. Happy are those who hold her tightly"- Proverbs 3:18. I thought about Adam and Eve, removed from the Garden because they might eat from the Tree of Life and live forever. We have access to that tree! It is not some tree in some hidden garden- we have access to Christ. We have access to wisdom through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives as we read God's word and meditate upon it.
All of those thoughts brought me back to "His burden is light." As I began to pray I thought of Moses at the burning bush. God had a plan to use Moses. He wanted Him to speak to Pharaoh and to the people of Israel, but Moses saw his weaknesses and feared he could not be the leader God wanted him to be, even after all of God's reassurances. This angered God and so He appointed Moses brother Aaron to speak for Moses. I can relate to Moses. Words flow when I write, but speaking is another matter. When I have to speak to people face to face I often struggle for the words that come so easily when written down , and they never sound as good to my ear as when I pen them. I prayed about what I perceive to be my weaknesses, and realized that I want to be obedient above all else. I will go where He leads me and do what He purposes for me because I know He is faithful. I know that He will give me everything I need for the tasks before me. He has perfectly fitted me for what He wants me to do. I hope that I come out on the other side of the next few weeks with a real understanding that His burden is indeed light.
Grace, Peace, and Mercy,
Deb
3 comments:
Have you considered scripting what you want to say? I have but don't always follow it - ha! Anyway, just a thought.
Yes, well, sort of, I have been running through my head over and over what I want to say, but I think tomorrow I will put together an outline that I can glance at with maybe some key words and thoughts. I am hoping that I will be like my sons, who can just stand up and wing it and have it come out wonderfully- our shy Matthew has been quite an inspiration- he gets up and gives talks so comfortably now- so I hope that this will be a good 12 weeks of getting over my fears and being able to relax in front of others. I know my subject well, I am most sure that I am doing exactly what the Lord is leading so I just need to let go of myself and let God work- easier said than done! Thanks for your comment about Esther- it has come to mind many times as I prepare my heart.
Hello, Deb! Thanks for stopping by my blog :)
I too am involved in a bible study and, wow, what a blessing it has been. I hesitate to say I am 'leading' it. I consider myself more of a facilitator, since I really don't have to do much, but share (just as everyone else is doing) and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. I feel that alone is my responsibility to these ladies. Of course, I want to be an example also, so I strive to read, pray, and share everyday. I also purpose to respond to their posts and encourage them. I LOVE that when He prompts us to do something (such as start a bible study with others), and we take that step of faith and obedience, that He is faithful and does all the work. God is so good, and I am so thankful for the group of ladies He is allowing me to study with. Yes, His yoke is easy and His burden is light! It is also overflowing with joy and blessings :) God bless you, Deb!
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