But seek first the kingdom of God
and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:33-34 ESV
Helloooooooooo, Girlfriends!
Can you hear me across the miles and the expanse of time that has separated us this summer? I certainly hope so because I am longing to connect with you. Having been bogged down with a plethora of moving details, I longed to write but either found no time, energy, or, sadly, inspiration to put into words all that has transpired since early July. My desire to sit at the computer and convey my thoughts battled with a gnawing inside that told me only negativism would pour forth. I convinced myself that the words I would write in the midst of my confusion, stress, and sometimes sadness would dishonor God. So, silence and separation ensued.
Fortunately, I heard a Word from God last weekend that moved me out of my complacency. And, Girlfriends, would you believe those words came through a man? Gasp! I know. A man. But a good man, I will have you know, and his name is Pastor Mark Andreson from Calvary Church in Lemont.
Pastor Mark and his wife/son are moving to Indonesia to work in Christian ministry, bringing light to a dark place in the world. This fact was only recently revealed to our congregation, and last Sunday was Pastor Mark's farewell sermon. As I sat listening to his discourse, I marveled at God's timing and universalism, knowing that His Word, which is so precious to Mark and Kim at this time in their transition, was also penetrating the hearts of others in the audience, especially mine.
Like an arrow, one point in particular shot straight into my soul, and its source is today's key verse. Let me give it to you also from the Good News Bible translation:
Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.
Is anyone else feeling like God just sat you down in a chair, took your chin in His hand and lifted your face, saying, "Look at me and listen up?" Well, that is exactly what I pictured Him doing to me as I absorbed Pastor Mark's message.
God's voice boomed: "Seek Me first and foremost: in the morning when you rise; in the day as you perform; and in the evening before you close your eyes to rest. I am the Alpha and the Omega; let your life reflect Me."
My heart heard God's reprimands loudly and clearly. I had put my worldly needs first, allowing worry and frustration to rule each day, to the point that I could not do the good works He has prepared for me in advance. (Ephesians 2:10) I could not write to you, my dear Girlfriends, and bring God's Word alive through His power from my fingers on a laptop because my anxious brain committed these hands to hours of internet searches for real estate issues, schools, housing, employment, medical insurance, and a multitude of other items that accompany a relocation. I missed opportunity after opportunity all around me to connect hearts and minds with God's Word because my own heart and mind were so far removed from Him. In essence, even though God has always proven His faithfulness to me, I trusted my ability to coordinate this move more than I trusted His power to put into place everything He already begun when He selected my husband for this new job.
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God..." Do not get me wrong. I am not saying that God did not have tasks for me to complete to make this move, or any of the summer's events, happen. To the contrary, I realize that God assigns us work--I read the Bible and see many examples of God's people laboring hard. But what Pastor Mark so eloquently pointed out is that when we keep our mind on God, His Kingdom, and His righteousness before, during, and after our work, all the things we need are added unto us--and added without the stress and anxiety created by worry. Additionally, we find that we have time along the way to serve the people He places in our paths here and now. In other words, we do not miss today's opportunities because our brain is consumed with thoughts of tomorrow, or next week, or next month. He will give us plenty of people to bless then as well!
So, ladies, I have to give credit for my return to blogging to God first, and then to Pastor Mark for sharing with us God's message to him. I am so excited to write again and be a part of your day, sharing God's love and mine with you. I pray you will hear what the Lord has to speak into your life from today's verses and that you will always seek Him first. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, remembering that our labor is indeed blessed by Him when we focus on His kingdom and His righteousness, not our own glory, fame and fortune.
Finally, I want to pray God's mighty blessing upon the Andreson family, their relocation process, and the work they will do in Indonesia. I am happy to share Pastor Mark's other verses from last Sunday's sermon in hope that you too will find power and rest in Him. Blessings to all!
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 5:6-11
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
