trbccoffeebreak

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

The past several months (or has it been years?) have been, well, weird. And no matter where you land on the spectrum between “we’re all gonna die” and “this is all a hoax,” you’ve probably been experiencing weirdness at some level.

I have friends who are relishing this “downtime” with family—gardening, playing games, and enjoying time and activities not previously possible between kids’ sports, school events, and general out-and-aboutness. Other people I know haven’t been faring so well. Laid off or furloughed, finding a new job is nearly impossible in the current “not-open-for-business” culture. And for many of us, the constant “togetherness” combined with the frustration and fear about what’s happening in the country creates an edginess that overcomes and often overwhelms.

As for me, I am just plain tired.

Even as I write blogs touting God’s sovereignty, His perfect will, and the fallen condition of humanity (primarily as reminders to myself), it’s easy to descend into a fog of weariness. Granted, I’ve been blessed that my business has kept me incredibly busy—and I work A LOT, which is mentally tiring. (This is especially true as the work-from-anywhere normal has eliminated any semblance of a 9-5 workday parameter.)

But this goes beyond work fatigue. It’s an emotional, psychological, and spiritual exhaustion from everything that’s going on (inside and outside my four walls). The result? I’ve got “too much work” to have lunch with a friend. I’m “too tired” to reach out for support. I’m “too something-or-another” even to attend church. And that’s exactly where Satan wants me to be.

Just like a lion will wait for that straggler from the pack—the weak or slow one—our enemy prowls around us, seeking those most vulnerable so he can devour (1 Peter 5:8). My guard is down, and my weariness has made me susceptible.

It’s time to assess my ammunition levels and put my armor back on (Eph 6:10-20). I’m going to fasten my belt of truth and put on my breastplate of righteousness. I’ll tie my shoes of Gospel-sharing readiness. And, most importantly, hold up my shield of faith—and attach it to those of my faithful sisters—to extinguish the flaming darts coming my way.

I am tired, yes. But I will rest in the Lord. I will trust Him amid the craziness of today. And I will remain standing firm as the battle between light and dark intensifies.

“Lord, thank You for Your sovereignty. Thank you for the rest You provide. And thank You that, despite how the battle looks, You have already won the war.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Ministry

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2

When I got out of my comfy bed Sunday morning, I took a warm shower. Our house temp was perfect despite the humidity lingering outside. As I began to get ready for church, my husband (Jay) told me a local food bank needed help with meals for Father’s Day. So we changed gears and headed downtown.

A battered station wagon rolled into the parking lot. The grey haired, stooped man slowly emerged. The top of his car and the filled backseat with all his belongings confirmed this was his home. He was actually one of the lucky ones; he had transportation and a roof over his head. Ninety percent of the others who came to pickup their meal traveled by foot.

Homeless, out of work, struggling – too many stories untold yet evidenced on their faces. It was an ordinary occurrence for them to walk up to the door and receive a meal, bag of groceries and water. The shame of where life and circumstances had taken them often characterized their stride. Yet their lives depended on this meal, and their gratitude was evident.

Most of those who came for meals were men, some with little ones standing by their side. Jay and I were so blessed to encourage these men and wish them a Happy Father’s Day, and I really wish you could’ve seen their faces light up. It was a great way to honor them.

As we left to go home, I knew serving these meals was also the perfect way for us to honor our Dads who are now in heaven. My Dad had such a servant’s heart; he never knew a stranger and was always willing to help others even if his pockets were empty. Knowing Jay as such a servant, I’m sure his Dad probably was too. Today was a special moment when God allowed us to honor our Dads by serving men in our community – Dads who needed encouragement.

I can’t think of a better way to honor anyone than to find a way to serve others in their memory. Ultimately all that we do is to honor our Heavenly Father – to be a reflection of His love and grace. Praying we find ways to put a smile on His face this week by the way we imitate Him to our world.

“Father, so grateful and blessed with an opportunity to show your love to those who desperately needed to be reminded of Your forgiveness and grace. Help me to keep my eyes open and not miss opportunities to honor You by loving others.

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life