And the third day we cast out with our
own hands the tackling of the ship.
Acts 27:19
This week, the Lord led me to Acts chapter 27, where, in order to try to save the ship from sinking...
own hands the tackling of the ship.
Acts 27:19
This week, the Lord led me to Acts chapter 27, where, in order to try to save the ship from sinking...
...and keep it afloat, the apostle Paul and the ship’s crew had to toss overboard items that were of great value, starting with the ship’s tackle. There was no mention of them tossing out only items of no value.
Spiritually speaking, there are times when some good things that are in our lives may have to be let go of, so we could be more focused and not be overly weighed down, and thereby fail to complete our journey. For it is easy, I believe, to become too overloaded with too many responsibilities and commitments that we are hindered from running the race. And when we are carrying too much - more than Christ wants us to carry - we can become ineffective in our service to Him. Yes, it could even be the so-called good things which sap our energy or take up too much of our time.
In Acts 27, the biggest priority was with keeping the ship from sinking during a fierce and prolonged storm. At some point, however, the decision was made to lighten the load, and over the side went the ship's expensive tackle. Later went all their food (Acts 27:38). But these items could eventually be replaced; the lives of the sailors and prisoners could not.
So the lesson I learned from my study of this chapter from the Bible is that there are times when it may be necessary to downsize. We are not meant to carry more than God intends for us. And I know from my own struggle with being a "people pleaser" and in dealing with rejection issues, how easy it is for me to take on too much to the point where both my physical and spiritual health is in jeopardy.
Just recently, for instance, I was led to give up my job as a mobility guide for the sight-impaired prisoners. Having this job, plus my afternoon work assignment as an aide to the men who are in the mental health cell block, was getting to be too much. Day after day I found myself in a state of exhaustion. Thankfully, however, the Lord intervened. He got my attention and told me what to let go of. I learned this lesson the hard way. Balance and moderation is important. I’m not Superman.
D.B.
Spiritually speaking, there are times when some good things that are in our lives may have to be let go of, so we could be more focused and not be overly weighed down, and thereby fail to complete our journey. For it is easy, I believe, to become too overloaded with too many responsibilities and commitments that we are hindered from running the race. And when we are carrying too much - more than Christ wants us to carry - we can become ineffective in our service to Him. Yes, it could even be the so-called good things which sap our energy or take up too much of our time.
In Acts 27, the biggest priority was with keeping the ship from sinking during a fierce and prolonged storm. At some point, however, the decision was made to lighten the load, and over the side went the ship's expensive tackle. Later went all their food (Acts 27:38). But these items could eventually be replaced; the lives of the sailors and prisoners could not.
So the lesson I learned from my study of this chapter from the Bible is that there are times when it may be necessary to downsize. We are not meant to carry more than God intends for us. And I know from my own struggle with being a "people pleaser" and in dealing with rejection issues, how easy it is for me to take on too much to the point where both my physical and spiritual health is in jeopardy.
Just recently, for instance, I was led to give up my job as a mobility guide for the sight-impaired prisoners. Having this job, plus my afternoon work assignment as an aide to the men who are in the mental health cell block, was getting to be too much. Day after day I found myself in a state of exhaustion. Thankfully, however, the Lord intervened. He got my attention and told me what to let go of. I learned this lesson the hard way. Balance and moderation is important. I’m not Superman.
D.B.
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