Blessings or Burdens?

The other day I wrote a list of things I feel God has called me to in my life right now. It went a little bit like this:

Seeking God in prayer and through his word

Carrying out The Great Commission

Loving Noah

Being a sister, daughter, and granddaughter

Serving and loving in the Church, specifically in children's ministry

Walking alongside and loving my friends, best friends, and acquaintances

Meeting with Caroline and Mom to study God's Word together

Praying in the prayer room

Subbing at Curtis Baptist School

Going to Augusta University

Caring for the animals I come in contact with

Caring for and being a good steward of the money and things God has given me

Writing this blog

Details God brings in everyday

Luke 8:16-18 tells us: "No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be made known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away."

This specific passage in Scripture is very powerful, convicting, and also an encouragement. Verse 16 explains that it would be silly to hide the light we have in Christ as believers. Back in Biblical times, a candle or lantern was a normal source of light. Without this source, you wouldn't be able to see much. Just like it would be dark if they put the only light they had under a bed, when we don't shine the light we have in Christ, there is no light shining on the darkness. Our purpose in Christ is not to hide all that He has done and is doing for us but to share it!

After verse 16, verse 17 goes on to explain that as believers God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us discern what is light and what is darkness. If we choose the darkness, it will be exposed due to the light we have in us. Even when we think we are doing "just fine" in our sin, God reminds us that no sin is hidden from Him and all sin blocks our relationship with Him.

And lastly, verse 18 ties it all up. The beginning of verse 18 warns us to be careful in "how we hear." This indicates the importance of what Scripture is telling us. And the next two parts I believe are a choice. When we chose to walk in what God has called us to, life flourishes with purpose and God's guidance. This is what the "one who has" experiences. It is a practical way of explaining living in God's will.

I sat with my friend Nicole the other day and we talked about how so often as believers we can get so caught up in trying to figure out the "will of God" that we miss God completely; or we miss the things God has placed right in front of us. Many times we think of God's will as some HUGE plan that he has for us to sail the ocean blue, (and yes sometimes that is true), but so often we don't see waking up and reading God's word as a part of "God's will." Sometimes we miss the fact that the person you just ran into was an opportunity. Each thing up there in that list I made is a beautiful piece in the plan God has for me right now. Could I miss every single one of those things because I am not careful?

Yes, I absolutely could miss them all! God calls us to so many things...don't miss them!

Don't make what you want a priority over what God has called you to!

When we choose our own will over God's will, we begin to see the things He has called us to as burdens and hindrances to our own plan.

This is where a lot of people get burned out. The people who live the last part of verse 18, which explains: "and from the one who has not, even what he thinks he has will be taken away" are the people who get burned out on God. God gives us assignments and blessings there is no doubt about that. But if we choose to ignore them because we think we have a better plan we will miss God.

If we focus on what we want God's will to be, if we reject his plans, and if we let a little bit of darkness reside in our lightened hearts, we will begin to see the things God has called us to as burdens. When we see those things as burdens and do not seek the Lord about them, we begin to feel disconnected and lonely. When we feel disconnected and lonely, we begin to doubt God and his promises. That is what you called burned out.

All of this breaks God's heart because He knows that if we would just choose the plan He has for us,

life would come to light and be so illuminating and satisfying.

God's word makes it clear what we are called to do. I have a light to shine. God didn't save my heart so that I could hide it and run away from Him and His plan. His plan is so incredible that I can't fathom it, but how will I experience it if I am not being obedient in the everyday calling? Tomorrow is not just another day. Tomorrow is not just a big coincidence. Tomorrow I can either seek God through prayer and His Word so that I might be sensitive to all the things He's called me to in that day or I can do what I think is best and all the things I think I have will slowly slip away.

We have got to understand that God's will is what brings purpose, joy, fulfillment and life.

So, be careful how you hear these verses, understand that these are things we will be accountable to God for, and seek out God's will for your life through His Word and prayer. Don't let getting burned out scare you...if we choose God and his plan each day it's not a possibility. God desires you more than anyone else ever will, His plan for you is better than anything you will ever be able to imagine. See the things God has given you and called you to as blessings and opportunities.