Learning and Growing

Our pastor is on FIRE!!! Or maybe I'm just listening and paying better attention. All I know is the Lord is using our Pastor to grow and stretch and it's been great. We just started a new series on 2 Peter (we had just finished 1 Peter). Several weeks ago now, before beginning the new series, he preached on being stewards of God from 1 Corinthians 4. What has stuck with me is that we are to be faithful where ever God has us. HE put us there. He did it! and He did it for a reason. I am to be faithful where He has me.

Right now He has placed me as a mother and a wife. That is where I need to be faithful in that work first and foremost. Pastor Jon asked us all the pointed question (as he loves to do) of Can God trust me with what He has given me? Am I willing to answer the call faithfully and to do it well. I better be! I am striving to everyday. My prayer every morning helps me start the day on the right foot, "not my will but yours be done." It reminds me that He has it all planned out and it's a waste of my time and His time to fight that plan. I simply want to be a part of it. I need to seek His approval because seeking man's approval at the risk of displeasing God is never ok (another point from our wise pastor!).

Later that week as I was reading Thomas a story from his daily Bible I was again reminded how I can faithfully fulfill my calling. Jesus wanted some rest, so he climbed in a boat to go to the other side of the lake. The crowds followed him to the other side. Even though he was tired, He taught. He did what He was there to do. When I am tired and my kids or husband is calling on me, how can I do anything other than what He has called me to. I must choose to follow Christ's example, set aside me desire for peace and quiet and teach!

As we started 2 Peter He called us to "Dive in." God has given us all that we need for life and Godliness. Everything. Not just somethings, but everything. So I need to dive into a growing and relational knowledge of God. This is on me to do. He has given me the tools, I just need to pick them up and use them. I want to focus on Hi promises so that I can do more for His glory and be prepared for the calling that He has for me.

This last Sunday He continued to teach us and the Holy Spirit continued to convict. It is a high calling we are called to. It is one that necessitates hard work and effort everyday. But going back to the lesson the week before, He has given us everything we need. He preached on the seven vital qualities we are called to in 2 Peter 1:5-9. We are called to virtue, knowledge, self control, perseverance, Godliness, kindness and love. It's quite a list! Our 2 truths to walk away with were that if we abound in these things,we are neither barren or unfruitful, but if we lack these things we are short sighted.

Lord, might I live faithfully for you where you have me. May I be fruitful and not short sighted. May I chose to put forth the effort and use the tools you've given me.