Love the Season
Ephesians 5:17-20 (NKJV) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our life is a beautifully intricate culmination of so many seasons and experiences. It's so easy, at least for me, to become comfortable in the current place the Lord has me. As I've said before, I'm a creature of habit and my nature prefers routine. Transitioning from one season to the next can be a bit difficult for me.
There's been seasons of obscurity... where I intensely desired to be used in His service yet...I was hidden away. Intercession was my ministry and that was between me and the Lord. None would know of the prayers that went up on their behalf. Along with that came the incredible experiences that flourish from intimate time with Jesus! Oh, how I wanted to share that with others and draw them in!
Then along with this came the seasons of ministry. Preaching, teaching and always writing... from a book to daily devotions. For several years they were written 7 days a week.
We moved to Florida a year and a half ago and though there's been plenty of one on one ministry opportunities, more time with Jesus and of course writing, other than a trip to my son's church in St. Louis to preach one Friday night, all other ministry opportunities have been closed. Ha! I'm not complaining! I'm not one that enjoys being the center of attention, nor do I require a platform. My time with Jesus and writing my devotions is quite enough if that's all the Lord is requiring in this season. Oh!! Being hidden away with Him is my greatest passion!
Today, as I was asked to lead a Bible study, I was surprised to hear the first words out of my mouth..."No!" Ugh... I've really enjoyed this season of obscurity. I've already agreed to teach a class in January, but I still have plenty of time before that starts. If I could remain locked away in my room with Jesus for the rest of my life, I'd be quite content! But what He's doing within us is for a greater purpose and serving Him, in any capacity, as long as we remain in the center of His will, is the greatest blessing of all! I'm truly blessed to have been given the opportunity to lead others into greater intimacy with the Lover of their souls!! Time is short and there's much work to do!
So, of course I recanted my first reaction and agreed to go through another door the Lord has opened. But whether it opened or I was to remain hidden away in His presence, I'm blessed and fulfilled!
So many people get frustrated because they feel invisible and unnecessary for the advancement of God's Kingdom. They force an outcome that the Lord has not yet called them to. So what do you do while you're waiting? You keep pressing into His presence, you pray, intercede, study His Word and share Jesus with everyone you can! It's not about being recognized or your position but remaining pliable, surrendered and prepared for His service, in His timing and loving every season we are in as long as it's right where He wants us!
Love the season you're in and embrace the changes that are coming! It's all for His glory!
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NKJV) In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NLT) Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
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