Had Enough?

 

Recently I wrote a devo for our student ministry team here at Mountain who spent time working in the Dominican Republic. I thought I would share it with you all today as a good encouragement and reminder! Enjoy!

 

 

Are you tired yet?

Is the work you are doing tiresome?

Do you feel like calling it quits?

Have you had enough yet?

 

Let me tell you, I have answered yes to these questions before. I have hit that wall of being tired and ready to get back to the comforts of home. I have been in the pit of discouragement and begin to doubt myself and my abilities. Those feelings are not of Christ but rather thoughts that Satan sneaks into our minds to undermine the work of God in us and through us. Satan is so sneaky and before we even realize it we are ready to call it quits and forget the reason God called us to serve. I must say I am guilty of giving up sometimes when I’m too tired, to stressed and to miserable.

One of my favorite verses is James 1:2-4 It says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

So what are your current “trials”? The heat? The work? The dust? The language barrier? Whatever you are currently facing is probably testing your patience, your joy and even your faith. I have found myself questioning what God would put me in a certain place, or why I was dealing with a certain situation or issue. But I will say that when I stick it out and come out on the other side I can look back and see what God was doing. That is the maturity James was talking about. The ability to make it through and look back and see that God has never left you and always has a plan for you. Most of the time however when I am in the thick of it I can’t see it right away. Are you in that spot? If you are, I encourage you to pray that God will help you to persevere through this time and give you clarity to see why he has brought you here and how he is using you to build his kingdom where you are.  Ask God to help you find joy during this time as well.

My mother who knows me so well, tells me often to find the “sprinkles of joy” in those moments when I want to quit and walk away. As funny as it sounds… it works. Sometimes the sprinkle of joy comes in the smile of a friend. Sometimes it through a hug, a prayer, a gentle cool breeze when it is so hot out, and even in a drink of cool water after working hard all day. Sprinkles of joy often aren’t big or loud yet small and quiet reminders of God’s provision and faithfulness to watch over us as we do the work he has called us too.

My prayer is that as you work and fulfill God’s purpose for you this week, you will persevere through the tough days and at the end see what God has done in and through you. I also pray that you look for those small “sprinkles of joy” that God has placed throughout each and every day!

May God bless you for your heart to serve and may you always know how much you are a cherished child of God.

Blessings,

Angela