Letting Go

There are some things in life, in my life that don't belong.  At the Joyce Meyer conference this weekend Joyce spoke on de-stressing our lives.  One of the things she addressed was examining our lives to figure out what was bearing fruit and what was not.  What activities does it seem like God is in, which are He blessing.  Is He using me here, in this area or is it dead and unfruitful?

I am involved in a few things.  This blog being one.  I help set up the bulletin boards at church.  And of course caring for the kitties at the shelter.  A few other things as well.  Like most people, I have a plethora of things I do, things I love to do.  But something Joyce said struck a chord deep within me. She taught that if we are trying to get out from under overload in our lives, we may need to rearrange, change or even eliminate some things from our schedules.  And immediately a ministry I am involved in came to mind, and also the thought that this ministry, although I am passionate about it, is not for this time in my life.  That is the reason God has not caused it to expand or be fruitful.  This is something I love, I feel strongly about and want to help in.  But I believe the Lord is changing my direction in this area....leading me to step back from the stress of failure in this endeavor and work in the areas I am comfortable in, time-wise.

This visit was all about listening for the Lord's timing.   There are many things in all our lives we want to be involved in, good, worthwhile things.  But if those doors aren't opening, if nothing seems to move in a certain activity...perhaps it's time to sit at the Lord's feet and listen for His direction.  Is this ministry something I am to be involved in?  Is it for another period in my life?  Am I to go in another direction with this ministry?  These are the questions I am seeking answers to right now.

These verses seems to be coming up a lot lately.  It's quickly turning into a favorite and every time I look at it something different pops up!

Matthew 11:28-30  Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  LET ME TEACH YOU, because I am humble and gentle and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke fits perfectly and the burden I give you is light."  

Jesus, teach me.  Lord, I pray You would continue to show me Your plan.  Lead me in the way I should go.  Just because something is good, does not mean it's something that is right for me to be doing.  Lead us all in Your perfect will for our lives, day by day, week by week....into the abundant life and future You have for us.  I don't want to be outside Your will in any part of my life.  Help me to have a listening heart.  And thank Your for giving me permission to step back from things....to to not feel guilty if I am not able to do certain things, or choose to do something else.  You are in control.   Lord, let everything I do be a blessing to You and bring You glory.