Self Service

‘“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”’
Matthew 11 vs 28-30 (NIV)

A few years ago a friend of mine was sharing how she was struggling with the fact that she had entered into ministry prematurely. She had, at the time, just surrendered her life to Jesus Christ, yet according to her got so involved too soon.

She mentioned that all she wanted was to get to know and experience more of the love of God during that time and wanted to first deal with a few issues, yet she had a sense of guilt for wanting to step away from all the things she was doing for a season to simply be with Jesus. I can still relate to this.

It’s for this reason, I would simply love to encourage you with what I shared with her that day…

…Let’s say you have a car, and with your car, you want to be a blessing and help to others by taking them to the places they need to be. This is good. But, let’s say your car is broken. Would it be wrong to first take your car for a service to be fixed? No, not at all. The truth is, the wisest thing you could do first is to fix the car. This too is good.

The interesting thing about the car is that whether it is fixed or whether it is broken, its purpose does not change. But a broken car cannot fulfil its purpose.

Right now, you life might seem broken, you might need some times of refreshing. You might need to deal with sin and some issues and so not getting involved or stepping away is possibly the wisest thing you can do.

It might be time for some SELF SERVICE. A time to get real close to Jesus. A time to reset, refocus, be refreshed and renewed in Christ. Do not feel guilty for needing or wanting Jesus to fix what is broken.
Your will not lose your purpose, rather it will be a time of refuelling it and gaining greater passion to serve Jesus in all that He has called you too.

Lastly, I would also urge you to reach out to trusted leaders, those whom you know are mature in Christ who can journey with you in such times.

‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.’
1 Peter 5 vs 6-7 (NIV)

‘He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’
Isaiah 40 vs 29-31 (NIV)

Disclaimer: This is not a post to encourage people away from serving Christ and others. It is, in fact, the exact opposite. This post is to encourage people who need help to deal with their sin and any other issues, and that it is okay to do so, in order to become more effective in ministry.