In my younger days, I had a hard time saying no to those who asked a favor or needed something done. Gullible and naive, I thought I had unlimited energy, pressing on to serve others. When I approached 40, I reached my breaking point, crashing and burning from years of overextending myself. Subsequently, I have gone into social hibernation, still healing and numb from my last year as a high school teacher.
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ, 1 Corinthians 12:12.
By removing yourself from a community, you miss out on the blessings of relationships. Initially, it feels good to be unattached, flexible to do or go where you want. However, God created individuals to be in fellowship with one another, sharing burdens, concerns and joys. Thus, I miss the interaction, joint projects and sense of belonging that friends provide. Therefore, as I am about to end my Daniel Fast, its time to make myself available once again.
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality, Romans 12:13.
Unlike professional athletes who retire when they have lost their ability to compete, a Christian is suppose to serve for a life time. The author of Hebrews compares life on earth to a marathon which require perseverance, pacing yourself one day at a time. Some where along the way, I removed myself from the game of life, sitting in the bleachers ever since. While I may not have the passion I once possessed, its time to fan into the flame my spiritual gifts. I’m not sure where this will take me or what I will do, yet I sense the Holy Spirit’s calling, “make yourself available.”
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 