“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9 NIV
It’s easy for a sense of obligation to overwhelm our sense of joy. How often do we step into something new with fresh enthusiasm but after while our zeal fades and a sense of obligation settles in?
God wants us to approach everything with a sense of joy.
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” —2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV
Here’s an example, God prompted my heart a few years ago to write devotionals daily. At the time I could barely write one article a month let alone daily! It wasn’t until this year, 2016, when I felt a sense of urgency from the Father’s heart that it was time, sort of a now or never kind of thing.
Finally, one day, I said “Yes” to the Lord. It took me a little while to sit down and start writing but once I did (January 30, 2016) I haven’t stopped. Some days they don’t get published until 9 o’clock at night, but still—I’m doing it! My heart’s desire is to remain faithful and honor the commitment I made to the Lord.
I’ll be honest with you though friend—some days it’s tough! Between school, my kids, other projects, family… I often find myself wondering if I’ll be able to write something for that day.
There are many days when I feel like I’ve been squeezed completely empty and have nothing left to say. It’s those days when I sit and wait on Him to inspire. “What’s on Your heart today God?” I ask.
There are other days where I think I’m done. I can’t do this anymore. But because I desire to be faithful I feel this sense of obligation to sort of come up with something. The problem with that is when I sit down to write my heart isn’t right. I’m approaching writing with a sense of obligation and not joy.
Do you see where I’m going with this?
I wouldn’t be doing anyone any favors to sit down and write a devotional out of obligation and duty. You would be able to sense it. It would be tainted with irritation and stripped of life giving joy.
It’s on these days when I begin to sense this in my heart that I fall to my knees and lay out before the Lord to repent for nearly resenting His call on my life to write! “Forgive me Abba for feeling this is something I have to do instead of something I am honored to be able to do unto You, Lord.”
I cry out to Him, “Purify my heart o’ God! Let the words be Your words and let my heart flow with words from Your heart. Only You can mend broken hearts! Only You can bring freedom and joy and peace!”
Flowing out of obligation has the potential to hinder the life-giving element of what God is calling us to do.
The beautiful thing about God’s plan for the world is that He wants to use us! We are to be His hands and feet. Not because we have to but because we are His child. It’s an honor to be used by Him. It’s a joy that He would transform us the way He does, molding and shaping us into the image of Christ to reflect His radiance to a dark and dying world (2 Cor. 3:18).
Friend, I pray we not grow weary in doing good! I pray that we approach every opportunity to be a blessing to others and to serve the Lord with a joyful heart! Rich with gratitude that God desires to use us to advance His kingdom and be an encouragement to others! If you’re feeling tired—God’s promise for you is that He renews your youth like the eagle (Ps. 103:5).
I love you!
Krissy
P.S. How can I be praying for you today?
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