Labor Day

Exodus 34:21 “Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.

Rest... Huh. I'm going to have to admit that I am not very good at this one. Well, at least not until I have run myself ragged and then fall over exhausted. Then I rest. I know I am not alone in this one!

A good friend gave me a book to read not too long ago. It is on this very subject. I was told it would be an easy read and that it really would be helpful. Frankly, it hasn't been a very easy read for me. Throughout the book I have learned things about myself that I really didn't care to know. They have been a little painful in fact.

I learned that I push myself to the point of exhaustion because I feel like I have a need to prove myself because I do not have a college degree.

I learned that I push myself because I feel like I am indispensable. I thought the work couldn't not be done without me.

I learned that I push myself because I am avoiding dealing with things that are difficult in my life.

Wow... I hope you didn't mind the honesty!

The book I am reading is Leading On Empty by Wayne Cordeiro. The best thing I learned from the book....

When we rest, we learn that God can go on and do His work without us... we learn that if you take the time to deal with personal issues in your life, your work for the Lord is much more effective... we learn that the Lord can use anyone, even those who do not have extensive higher education. The books says it this way... We return with a humble heart.

I know now that I always want to approach the Lord's work with a humble heart. Even if you are not working in the ministry, this applies to you too. Remember that Lord is the one who has gifted you with the abilities to do your job. Take the day of rest He has commanded and return rest, reinvigorated and most of all humble and you can do great things in the name of the Lord.