Journal of Joy

This might sound crazy, but one thing I really enjoy is researching Bible Study curriculum, in particular those specifically written to speak to women.  I like to watch sample videos and read sample studies.  I like to read the "why I wrote this" behind each study if it's available.  One possible downfall to this is my feeling of inferiority after I read through them.  I think wow, "I could never say that in a better way" or "I could never reach people like this study will reach people" and sometimes, "every topic has been covered, who am I to add to what has already been said".  This, perhaps, is why it's difficult sometimes to push out a blog post or even have a conversation with a hurting friend.  I don't feel qualified to speak into or even about certain situations.

[Enter grace stage left]

However, Grace of Joy is not about what I can do for others.  It is not about touching people or enlightening them.  It is something that no one has written on before because it's MY story.  It is basically a journal of the grace that my Savior has lavished on me.  Each day He reveals Himself to me in new ways and I find out how much it is not about my relationship with someone else.  It isn't about someone else's relationship with God.  My journey is about me and my Savior.  The moment I factor in someone else, is the moment worry, fear, pride, control, disappointment, and feelings of inadequacy have the ability to cloud my sight of who Jesus is and how He factors into each situation.

This perspective begs the question, so do you stop caring about people?  On the contrary!  It does, however, change my goal in my relationships with other people.  What is my goal?  I want to know Jesus.  I want to know who He is.  I want to believe Him.  I want to trust Him.  If someone shares with me a difficult situation that they are dealing with, it is not a burden for me to carry.  I can go with them to the foot of the cross and lay it down before the Lord.  I cannot, however, make them leave it there.

So, basically, the best way to serve people is to realize that your relationship with Jesus is more important than your relationship with any person!  Crazy, right!?  This truth frees us up to hear God's voice when His definition of serving is way different than ours.  So, keep your heart focused on knowing the Creator and Perfecter of our faith, being willing to step forward in serving as He calls us and not as we see it playing out.  Then we'll have a much greater chance of making the difference in other people's lives as well!