Timely in Two (Part 1)

 

I believe this quote shared by the Kendrick Brothers on their social media is quite the encouragement in two different ways. When I read it, the immediate impression I got (in this season of my life) was not probably what Elisabeth Elliot originally intended when she penned these words. But my second impression is what I want to discuss and share a story.

In the morning, it is imperative to begin your day by speaking to Christ first. As a teacher, I would do that often over this past school year. Get up, get ready, speak to no one, and utter the first words of my day to God as I drove to work for a half hour. The days I was faithful, I experienced so much peace and comfort!

Those who know me best also know my history, my interests, and my goals; so you can probably guess what these prayers concerned. I struggled quite a bit towards the middle of the school year and experienced it to a degree that I never wish to again. But why?

Because I was unfaithful in prayer and study. My relationship with God dwindled. I cannot blame these feelings on externally induced depression. Did I go to bible study? yes. Did I go to church faithfully? yes again. But I lost weight, drank way too much caffeine, worked from 6 to 11 or 12 at night, and chided my conscience with "I'm sorry, I just ran out of time."

But early in the year, I was challenged to volunteer for an FCA Day of Champions event held at my church. I'm not a leader, so even being a small group leader was a struggle in my mind. :) I was trying to work through balancing my life and my relationship with Christ and others, and what was said in a small group with the girls I was with struck a chord. 

We will call this girl Taylor. She loves volleyball and plays in high school. She plays travel ball so her school days were often consumed with school, travel, ball, travel, and a little sleep. She shared this with us, bearing the same struggle I was. "I just don't have time for elaborate Bible studies I wish I could have." and I felt that. But she was blunt. She told us that she didn't see how she had time for God at all with her haphazard school/sport/sleep schedule. 

But the simplicity of what she ended with convicted me. Essentially, God is God. He is in charge of all of creation and seeing to 7 billion people's individual lives, needs, and hearts. Yet, he still has time for us. Can I not sacrifice a little of the sleep I do get to read scripture and pray?

The honesty of her heart didn't cause me to feel guilt, but it did encourage me. I was reminded of the time of my life I had just walked through; it was a time of shame, complete and utter hopelessness, being lost to who I was as a person and in Christ, and more depression than I could handle. Problem was, I had walked through it alone. God was there, He was watching, and He was in complete control. But I didn't allow Him to walk with me or to have influence. I was mistress and I fell. 

Our lives are hopeless if we choose other things to spend our time on and disregard the presence of Christ. He longs to be a part of our every plan, our every goal, of every day, hour, and minute. He is not too busy to hear your long diatribes or your quick "help me". He wants to be a part of each moment, but you have to make the effort. You have to be one with Him and put in that effort. He is our Father, Friend and Helper, but he is also holy, righteous, and requires more of us as His image bearers. 

When we step forward into that requirement, there is definitely an intense responsibility felt to represent Him well, but there is an overwhelming sense of peace, complete rest, and an amazing sense of His control.

"You will find rest for your souls..." Matt 26:39

God bless you all,

M. G.-