Greatest Advice

What is one piece of advice someone has given you that has been life changing for you?

I am a doer. Task orientated by nature. When we transitioned our ministry that we had build over twenty plus years to another couple, we had to process the transition within ourselves, especially me! We knew what our next season looked like and we were very excited to be serving God in a more global capacity, however it came with a period of time where we needed to sit, prepare and build again in order to be equipped to launch out. For me, sitting is not easy. I have learnt to sit, but it doesn’t come naturally. I have learnt to sit through the advice I have been given from both a friend and my saviour.

Advice from a friend.

The advice was simple and yet very profound. There were only six words spoken, but those six words were life changing for me. As a doer, I needed to hear this golden advice; ‘ Leave room for God to fill.’ We can easily fill our days with good things, honourable things, Godly things, but are we leaving room for God to put something new in the mix. Something that He wants to pour into us. Something He wants to create in, or for us. Is there something He wants to say to us, direct us in, or even reassure us of? Are we leaving room for God to fill? It only comes from creating space for God. Don’t try and fill every moment because it doesn’t leave room for God to bring something new or fresh. I continue to learn from this advice.

Advice from our Saviour

‘Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.’ Matthew 11: 28- 30 (MSG)

There is a lot in this passage that we could unpack but here are just some words of advice that are noteworthy. God never intended us to be burnt out, worn out or heavily burdened in doing what we are called to do. Whether that be in the market place, being a homemaker, in ministry or at school. Jesus said, let me be your role model, ‘watch how I do it,’ We never read that he was burnt out, worn out, or burdened by His limited time on earth. He never said, I only have about three and a half years to get done what I came here to do. In fact, more often than not, He got away to sit and pray. He was making room for God to fill. Jesus often went away to other places to be alone so that he could pray. Luke 5:16.

The interesting thing about the times Jesus made room for God, (got away to be with His Father), a miracle took place. If we read the verses after Luke 5:16, vs 17 – 23 it tells us that God gave Jesus power to heal. This is where He healed the paralysed man who was lowered from the roof by his friends.

Leave room for God to fill and you will find your miracle, your next step, your purpose, your mantle of God’s working power.

Deb