Micah 6:8

"No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God."

This is one of those days that started at a new church, in God's word, with a good friend, sharing a delicious meal, a refreshing walk and a hearty laugh. As my spirit settles into a time of personal reflection I pray that God would use this writing to bring glory unto Himself and perhaps give a little lift to us all.

The sermon this morning was Romans 13 where Paul talks about respecting and obeying people in authority. As a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ I understand what that means as it relates to government, law enforcement and employers. God chooses those in authority whether I like them or not. It's my responsibility to follow Micah 6:8 in all circumstances where authority is present. The times I do not is if it goes against the word of God. In order to know the word I have to be in the word.

After church, I was looking at the display table. I saw materials from my former employer. Feelings of sadness quickly swept over me. As I looked through them and saw the work I had been helping accomplish with the poor around the world, I offered this question up to God: "Why did you remove me from a job I loved, doing work for your kingdom, that is in my passion area?" I knew the answer. It's not the work He wants me to do anymore. That part of my life is finished. For close to three years I served God and that ministry with all my heart. Maybe, too much of my heart.

I sacrificed my health. Even when I had those seizures, I still pushed forward for reasons that are truly unhealthy. I didn't and wasn't taking good care of myself. No matter how much I gave I felt I had to give more. I couldn't discern when enough was enough. I didn't use the word "no" as often as I now realize needed to. I was burning myself out. For what? It certainly wasn't to honor God. It was because I had a wrong definition of respecting authority.

Since the letter I wrote to God and He to me, I've been quietly processing the meaning of it all. Piece by piece I'm beginning to understand that God doesn't want me to break myself in serving others in work, church or in my family. I believe He wants to show me how to live a life that resembles the life Jesus lead. Lean on the Father; pray for all matters that concern you; and lead a life of obedience to those God has chosen for your life.

God knows my heart. He hears my humble cry. He holds my hand and redirects my footsteps when I get off track. Isn't it great to have a Father who cares enough to teach us out of pure love? A love that never dies?

I think so...