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Silence Most
of my articles are written when I am feeling good and life is going well.
Today that is not the case.
I am exhausted.
I have been running from one thing to the next, and there has been little
time to rest. At
the moment life feels out of control; I want to scream, “Stop a minute!”
Does Jesus makes a difference when I am feeling like this?
I know He does, but it doesn’t feel like it.
What
do I need to hear at this moment?
I can hear myself telling others so many things if they were in my
situation. I
would want to show them what I see Jesus telling them.
I would want them to pause and reflect on Him.
I would want to expound some clever words that would totally turn the
situation around.
Probably none of these things would be what was needed because it is not
what I need at the moment.
I really do know what I need -- a nap.
It is that simple.
Through
this Jesus is showing me something about myself.
I am overly eager.
I am like the Tasmanian Devil trying to do needle point -- the work is so
delicate and I attack it like a hurricane!
I am convicted by my inability to sit with someone who is struggling and
be silent. I
always want to help and fix problems, but how do I know what is needed?
I am challenged to the core of my being to take up the ministry of
silence. The
ministry of silence is not reluctance to go and do; it is reluctance to say much
to people unless they are seriously asking questions and the Holy Spirit is
prompting me to speak.
This is a challenge for one who is called to a speaking and counseling
ministry. True
ministry only happens in response to His leading; we cannot generate it. Waiting
on Him means waiting until you cannot possibly wait any longer,
then waiting some more; waiting until His voice is clearly heard and only
then responding in faith to what He says.
This
may not speak to you.
As is often the case, an article is generated out of my personal walk.
Some struggle the opposite way and are reluctant to say anything.
The bottom line is the same in both cases.
Jesus instructs us and we respond to Him alone!
My sheep hear my voice... (John 10:27) I praise God for His faithfulness! |
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