Rest Awhile

And the apostles gathered themselves
together unto Jesus, and told him all
things, both what they had done, and
what they had taught.
And he said unto them,
Come ye yourselves apart into a
desert place, and rest awhile:
for there were many coming and going,
and they had no leisure so much
as to eat.
Mark 6:30,31

For many years, I have served the Lord in any number of capacities. Having been on the staff of a very large church, I knew what it was to be responsible in many areas of service. Some of those areas were comfortable for me as they fit my abilities and gifts. Some things I was called on to do were almost more than I could handle. After some special events and conferences, I was beyond exhaustion and really at a very spiritual low. I was told from various sources that it was better to burn out than rust out.

For years, I have seen common folks doing great things in the churches they attend. Many of those folks are handling responsibilities that many years ago would be done by those only in the ministry. It is mind boggling the wonderful talents and abilities found in common laypersons who simply love the Lord and want to serve Him. Along the way, I learned some hard lessons, some I'm still working on.

As I do on occasion, I have again been in the Gospels, reading only the red letter words. These are those things spoken by Jesus. I don't do this all the time but love doing it occasionally. It blocks out the scenery, individuals, harassment by the religious entities of the day and even locations. There are so many times when the everyday human side of Jesus comes out in a strong way in His words and concern. Our opening verses do just that.

The disciples had been busy men. They had been out teaching and ministering. Jesus called them together and reviewed with them what they had been doing. He recognized how busy in ministry His men had been. He recognized their weariness even if they didn't see it in themselves. His suggestions are wise and very thoughtful of them. He suggested three thing to them:

*Come apart (get away from the familiar and congestion)
*Get off to a desert place (referring to a place away from people), and
*Rest awhile (The meaning of rest: “rest.” It isn't a foreign word or hard to understand.)

I believe we feel guilty if we do any one of these three things let alone doing all three. Jesus knew the urgency of the work, but He also valued each of those men and what was best for them at the time. He cared about their health both mentally and physically. He didn't want martyrs. He wanted strong, healthy men to carry on the work.

There are times when we are called upon to do the over and above, but serving God in shot gun fashion isn't wise. By that I mean doing all sorts of things all over the place, being busy for God and receiving lots of praise, but ending up of no worth to God, family or friends. Scripture tells us that whatever we do for God to do it with all we are giving glory to Him. The weary, bedraggled, worn out and perhaps even ill worker for God will receive lots of glory for themselves and not for God. I've been there and done that and have known many other than me who wear the same martyrdom badges. In all we do, Jesus calls to us to “rest awhile” but even in that, many workers by their actions don't believe Jesus knows what He's talking about.

May I give some practical suggestions:
*Are the things you are doing what God has called you to do. For instance, I know folks who can't carry a tune in a basket singing in the church choir. They are basically there to have the best seat in the house. They need to take a good look at their talents and gifts and implement them
*Know your God-given gifts and abilities. There's no more frustration than taking on jobs in a church you aren't equipped to do. There may be gifts in one that need to be developed that will come through learning, work and prayer
*Maintain a healthy body. Take care of the “temple of the Holy Spirit” through eating, rest and healthy living.
*Protect those things you are called to do. Don't take on more than what you are called to do. Learn to say NO. We can't do everything and Jesus doesn't expect us to.
*Whatever you are called to do must be done in God's strength and not your own. Whatever our responsibilities, they should be bathed in prayer, giving God all glory.

As old as I am, I do wish I had learned the things above years ago. I have learned a little about setting boundaries. At this point in my life, with God's leading, there are three things I am doing for Him right now. I will take on no other heavy responsibility unless God tells me to do something different. I have a peace with these things that have me working in the area of my God-given gifts and am at peace with that. In it all, I also have rest. Jesus also said elsewhere:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and
are heavy laden, and, and I will
give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn
of me; for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto
your souls.
Matthew 11:28,29

Thank You Father, that I can come close to You and find peace and rest through the rigors of life. Thank You too for Your personal concern for me, as You desire Your best for my life. In Jesus' precious name...Amen