Four months of preparations and I could hardly wait for the first session of my bible study to begin. I couldn’t sleep for excitement. I slipped out of bed in the early hours of the morning pleading with God to allow His spirit to work through me in writing homework sessions and crafting messages that would inspire and encourage.
After the first session, I could not believe how quickly my heart connected with the moms. I felt vulnerable at the heightened level of transparency God required of me in sharing my own story. The teary-eyed responses served as painful reminders of the hardships and sacrifices that so often accompany motherhood. The technology required for moms to join in via live video from five states only heightened my nerves.
Six weeks into the project as the study was nearing the end, I was beginning to feel exhausted. I told my husband, “After this class, I’m going to take the rest of the year off from ministry!” Honestly, I think even my husband needed a break. Such level of commitment comes with sacrifices made by our loved ones.
Have you ever felt like giving up due to exhaustion? Maybe you are there now! God even rested from all His work!
And then I read Paul’s words…
I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
2 Corinthians 11: 23b – 27
Suddenly, my efforts felt so small in comparison to Paul. Instead of giving up, I enjoyed a much-needed break to refresh and regenerate.
And now I’m asking God, “What next?” God breathed a deeper desire into my heart to serve Him more.
My friend, don’t give up! Take a break!
Copyright©2018, Gloria Stucky
Photo by Mike Benna on Unsplash