Wednesday, February 07, 2007

The Source of Strength

There are days when you feel totally exhausted. There are days when you feel like your body is in a nose dive headed for a collision with bottoming out. You feel as if you can’t take on one more job, or do one more thing, until you have had at least a weeks worth of rest.

Yesterday I was reminded about a conversation I had with a co-worker in the break room at work one day during lunch a few years ago. She was commenting on how she was so busy she was not going to do any volunteering at church this year. Apparently her church sent out a sign-up list for ministries you could sign-up to be a part of. She was determined not to sign-up for anything.

I remember thinking to myself how it would be nice to pass our ministry ‘list’ on to someone else as well. It was then that I felt the ‘gentle’ but definite jerking of the Holy Ghost. You know what I mean. The kind that says, “O really, so that’s how you feel?” It was almost instantly and really took me by surprise. I felt sudden regret.

How could I think such a thing? The ministries I was involved in at church were what kept me sane! When I can put everything else in my life on hold and do something for the Kingdom of God that is when I am at my most satisfied. It’s really amazing how it seems to work.

Lately I have been feeling almost overwhelmed with different projects and things that seemingly have to be done. There are things at church, at school, and at home that are really pulling for my attention. In fact, last night I came home from a meeting at church feeling totally drained. The whole way home and in the shower I fought with myself over even taking time to pray. Of course, I knew I had to do so, I just really didn’t want to.

When I finally did stop to pray, I was not surprised to find the strength that I had been looking for. It is so funny how much I fight my flesh to pray until I actually start praying. Once I start I hardly ever hear the clock chime or the pull of other projects that can wait to get finished. The world just seems to fall away.

A song has been in my mind recently:

“Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine / O what a fore taste of glory Devine / Heir of salvation purchased by God / I’m born of His Spirit and washed in His blood / This is my story, this is my song / Praising my Savior all the day long!”


Of all the things we do for God, nothing fulfills us like doing what we were created to do: have a relationship with our Savior. Our greatest strength comes when we are praising Him, when we are worshiping Him, and when we are spending time with Him.

11 comments:

Linda Elms said...

AMEN! Joseph, you are so important to the work of God here in Life Tabernacle. I'm so glad to know you and have you on the "team"!

bouellette said...

How beautifully written. You are a blessing to so many. Another lady at church last night was telling what a remarkable young man she thought you were. Yet I know that already, I just like to hear it from others also. So I pass it on to you. You are a remarkable young man. (and she said handsome too and I agree there also)

Keith and Carla said...

I so enjoyed this post. We have been thinking on the same wavelength. After this past Sunday, Keith and I were just flat worn out, and it took a couple of days to recoup. But I will have to say that it is so refreshing, just being involved in the Lord's work. I can't imagine not doing anything! How boring!!!

Joseph James said...

Thank you, all.

So... no one has anything to say about the pic? lol I have to credit it to a dear hispanic friend of mine... he sends me all of my laughs... of course, I dare not post them all.

Linda Elms said...

I HATE that picture! I can't even look at it, Joseph! They look too much alike!

Linda Elms said...

Barbara, I want to know if the lady passing out the compliments about Joseph is "young and single"? You didn't say who it was!! That's not fair! LOL!

Anonymous said...

Hello Joseph! I will comment on the picture! Hilarious is what it is!
On a serious note, however, thanks for your blog. It is nice to know that we all feel overwhelmed at times. Thanks for reminding me that the best thing to do is turn to the one who can "carry the weight of the world on His shoulders"!

bouellette said...

Only the complimentor and I know. We will leave it at that. LOL

Dena said...

OK Joseph, I put you on my site. So, now your the only guy on there. Don't you feel special?

Dena said...

Oh, and I like the picture too. NICE!!!

Joseph James said...

Thank you. :o)