Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58

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Friday, August 10, 2012

Empowered by the One~ by Stacy P.


Last night at 11pm, I was about to call it a night, and I remembered that today is Friday, and Friday is the day I share my heart with you, my Encourage365 friends. I had a brief moment of panic. It's been a crazy life lately. My step-son moved in with us and he'll be starting college here in a few weeks. We've also had company, and have more coming this weekend. Hosting a Bible study at my house every Wednesday, A party for my Grandma's 80th birthday, the start of an adoption, homeschool convention and lesson planning, dental and doctor appointments, and on and on. We could be here all day.  So, laying on the couch, in the late hours of night, with antibiotic drops in my infected ear. (Yes, just one more thing on my list of crazy.) And it dawns on me... I'm exhausted by my attempt to keep my head above water as the waves toss about all around me. And I'm not alone. (Anyone with me? In this crazy race called life?) There's a lot of good things in this life, but sometimes they are distractions that cause me to take my eyes off of the One thing that is needed. 

And I'm reminded of baptism. This action of being taken under the water and cleansed. Buried with Christ, and washed by the blood of the lamb. 


But that's not where we remain. Baptism is incomplete unless we are lifted back up, out of the water, a life renewed and empowered to fully live. 

Empowered by the One.

This is where my thoughts are, at nearly midnight. My heart is recalling the busyness of my days. The weight of life's daily distractions and the effort of treading water. I'm Wondering why I'm trying so hard to raise my head above the waves. Why are so many of us, baptized by the Spirit, still holding our breath under the water, instead of rising up to live in the power of the Spirit? Why are we grasping tightly to all the weights of this crazy life that pull us deeper under, when Jesus wants to lift us out of this sea, and set our feet to walk beside him. 


Him, the One who walks on water.

 "After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?"

"...let us also lay aside every weight ...  and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..."

Shared from my heart ~ Stacy

And for the weekend, a little reading...
Tuesdays with Jesus Tuesdays With Jesus, What is Truth?

 Dose of Encouragement, Coming Out Gold
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3 comments:

  1. I need this, Stacy. I feel like some days I'm not even treading water. It's hurting more than just me. Thanks for this... and I'm glad you remembered it. Next, time, though, you have my permission to go to bed. Sometimes we need sleep (said the person who hasn't slept much in 2 nights...)

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    1. Thanks Kelly! But really, I needed it too!!

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    2. Kelly and Stacy - As a Mama, just let me say that I want you girls to take care of yourselves and get rest. Remember the things that are REALLY important and let the other stuff go. Ok, end of lecture. I've grown fond of all my Encourage365 "daughters" and I don't like to see you stretched beyond your limits. Good night, girls!

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