Last Sunday evening was a helpful, healthy time in God’s Word. I’m preaching through a topical series concerning what constitutes biblical love and all day the focus was on loving our enemies. At some point while I was preparing the message I realized that I’m unaware of a single human enemy that I have right now. We must never view other Christians as enemies, even if there are intense conflicts, so I checked my life’s radar and could find no hostile combatants thereon. Interestingly, the Sunday evening sermon ended with a focus on weariness and the need for refreshing. The particular passage was focused on David’s mercy to his adversary, Shimei, who was assaulting David during the lowest point in David’s life. The bible details that life circumstances and the attacks of David’s enemy left him very weary and in need of a season of revitalization. God chose to bless this last part of the message as people came forward to kneel and pray for that same refreshing in their own lives.
Good people of the Kingdom, I declare to you today that none of us are immune from the stale, dusty, heavy, tired, sapping seasons of life. Not King David, not the apostle Paul nor any other pillar of faith. We all have a breaking point. So….break.
I confessed to the Meadow family that I was one wearied pastor. There were not details given nor required, the Meadow family understands this season of struggle entrusted to us. Confessing your weariness may seem irresponsible if you are a spiritual leader. They tell you never to do stuff like that when you are in leadership training. We shouldn’t let the flock see us sweat. Don’t discourage them by appearing too human. You are to be Superman so never mention the word Kryptonite. I’ve never bought into that hype because, in it’s foundation, it is deceptive. It is likely not wise to be dramatic with your weaknesses but please understand that your fellow-strugglers need to know from time to time that they aren’t the only ones sucking sand in life’s deserts. Here’s a great word for us to remember when observing those around us in their struggles: “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5-6 {ESV}. God empowers endurance. God empowers encouragement. God empowers harmonious unity. In addition to His empowering us when we are weary, God gives us a togetherness which is expressed in our unified message of the glorious God and Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe that weariness is expunged when we find our encouragement in the Lord Himself. We also experience strengthening when we are living in togetherness as one people. In the end we discover that weariness is not primarily circumstantial but, instead, spiritual.
Having confessed my recent battles with weariness, let me tell you what I’m encouraged about and invite you to do the same below. Amy and I went to her physical therapy class yesterday and, for the first time since mid-June, I watched my wife walk with rhythm and strength. There was very little pain and I saw with my eyes what I’ve been seeing in my mind for months: HOPE. She’s going to be fine in time to come and our family has been greatly edified through our struggles since the wreck. I’m encouraged in this and I say to my lingering weariness, “Take that! Put that in your pipe and smoke it!”
Give God the glory and comment below on what you are encouraged about today. Big or small, whether it means much to others or not…let your own voice be heard.
I have been encouraged today by the sincere and trusting faith of a church officer in our new church.
I am encouraged today Jeff because God is faithful, compassionate, sovereign, and His mercies never fail me! Hallelujah to the King who is eternal, immortal, invisible, and who alone is ALL wise.
I too, am encouraged by the progress of my sweet friend! I have also been encouraged recently by people God has placed in my life “for such a time as this”. I am being shown up close and personally the meaning of “family of God”. It is a family, much stronger ties than genetics could ever claim! As silly as it may sound, I have also been encouraged in my homeschool teaching of math- Emma is learning place value, and I realized the organization of math is just awesome (probably why I love it so much)! God is just like that, He does all things in perfect order- creation even declares it! What a comfort and joy!
I’m refreshed by the men of Meadow. Whenever I spend time with them in study, fellowship, work or recreation, I come out the other side a better person. One who is happier and more full of thanksgiving.