This Sunday morning, Gary Bradley, our preacher, spoke about opening our eyes to the fields. In John 4:23-38, we get a glimpse into an interesting conversation that Jesus had with his disciples. Verse 35 says, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest."
Jesus' words are just as relevant to us today as they were then to the disciples. We have a mission to carry out in the world around us. We are here for something far greater than ourselves. When we take the focus off of ourselves and look through our spiritual eyes, we will see that God is at work around us, drawing people to Him, and He needs us to be His workers. He needs us to be in the fields, ready to receive these people and guide them into relationship with Him.
Last night, my senior high girls and I were discussing the mission that Paul was on for God. We were looking in the 3rd chapter of Ephesians, and we were talking about the urgency of Paul's message. We talked about how the Gentiles needed him to give them this message of hope and salvation... how there are people in our lives that desperately need to hear that same message of hope and grace and love. The fields are white for harvest. There is work to do. We just have to get up and do it.
And that is the message I have been hearing over and over again.
Get up. Do the work.
We make so many excuses. I'm not good enough. I don't know enough. I've got plenty of time. It's never the right time. I'm too busy... These excuses, over time, make us indifferent to the call. We have to overcome this indifference. I have to overcome this.
During Gary's lesson, I had a little conversation with God in the midst of my notes. I started praying something that I pray very often. But this time, I heard God's answer. And it was very convicting. Here's the brief conversation:
(me) - Lord, give me YOUR eyes. Give me your heart. Give me your words. Your passion. Fill me with your Spirit...
(God interrupts) - I have.
(me) - Then show me what to do.
(God) - I have.
At that point, I didn't know what to say. I knew it was true. He has already filled me with His Spirit. He has already empowered and equipped me to do His work. And recently He has been showing me specific things to do. Have I done them? No. Why? Because I'm too busy? Yes.... but no. Honestly, it is because I have become too lazy.
I am too concerned with getting time to myself... Time that I waste on television shows on DVD... Time that I waste on my couch... Time that I could be out in this city, making myself accessible to people that God is ready to speak to through me. God brought me here to work with teenagers, but I don't think that is the only reason. He has grown other passions within me. He has reached other people groups through me and my friends in the past. What makes me think He is finished working like that? He isn't. It just requires me to get out of these comfortable places that I have found. It requires me to get out of my office, off my couch, and into the coffee shops and under the bridges. It requires me to open my eyes, and not just hear His call, but get up off my butt and do something about it!
So this is the message I am hearing:
Stop being lazy.
Get up.
I have work for you to do.
The harvest is ready.
I have equipped you.
I have empowered you.
I am with you.
Now go.
7 comments:
"As for me, I am tired of talking about what we are going to do. I am sick of talking about helping people, of brainstorming and conferencing about ways we can be radical and make sacrifices. I don't want to merely talk anymore. Life is too short. I don't want to speak about Jesus; I want to know Jesus. I want to be Jesus to people. I don't want to just write about the Holy Spirit; I want to experience His presence in my life in a profound way."
- Francis Chan, in his book, Forgotten God.
Thanks for this Jenna. I've been hearing the same things, but have resisted for some unknown reason. My work is not only in India, my work is wherever I am. Thank you. I love you.
Thank you. I'm gonna write more when I get on my computer. Really, thanks!
wow, someone got fired up!! I love it.
so my things haven't really been spiritual (although they should be...i know i need work there). remember my post about all the junk that if only i would do i might feel better? well, i decided to get off my bohunkus and do something instead of continuing to moan and groan about it. So i cleaned out all my closets, cabinets, drawers, everything! Under the beds, you name it! and i feel so much better! i decided that i just need to do what i can and stop worrying about all the things that really aren't in my control.
Thanks for your comments! It is nice to know that you understand what I am saying, and I am not the only one who struggles with this!
Jessica, I think everything is spiritual in the sense that my laziness in everyday things (like cleaning, etc) is directly correlated to my spiritual state. When I am eating particularly unhealthy, I feel gross physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I think it is all connected. SO this weekend has been designated to be Jenna's Extreme Home Makeover - Deep Cleaning Edition. haha. Maybe that will push me even further into a more productive and healthier self and hopefully benefit both me and the Kingdom!
jenna, i TOTALLY agree! my outer spaces reflect my inner spaces. so, in order to cover up the mess that i am on the inside, i think i overcompensate on the outside. i am completely ocd. i have to keep everything perfect. that way, in my mind, i'm reflecting to the world how perfect i am on the inside. and after i've faked it for a while, everything just turns to chaos and i have a meltdown and then i have to clean up the outside so i can keep up the image. you'd think i'd just work on the inside and let the outside be an overflow. well, that's too hard. it would mean i'd have to face nasty things that i like to pretend aren't there. ugh. what a mess.
Post a Comment