BREAKING CAMP: What I Learned about Delays and Distractions
Sometimes, the only camp we need to break is in our mind. I learned this lesson the hard way…
In ministry, I was always what you call “a good church girl” doing “good church things” for any and everyone who needed help. I always found an excuse to help somebody out, convincing myself that serving in a perpetual cycle of “wherever you need me” was my destiny. But my constant investment in the prayerful pursuits of others was divesting the passions of God n Me.
Our Heavenly Father grew impatient with me so…
He. Shut. It. Down.
Have you ever been distracted in service to someone else to the point of not only delay but emptiness?
I have, and it cost me. The long hours and long days cost me. Troubleshooting someone else’s problems cost me. I didn’t realize how much until I saw a picture of myself taken during that season. The strain of it was all over me. I was completely depleted. I stopped in my tracks, but the weight of the work had already taken hold of me.
I was in bed ill for a week.
Upon my return, I continued to serve and fulfill my duties, but I didn't step outside of my assignment to that degree again. I never fully replenished. It has taken years to get most of my stamina back. I loved serving and I loved those I served, but this was too much.
The Lord got my attention. Destiny was shifting me. To continue as before would have been to abandon the God n Me, and I wouldn't leave Jesus all alone. But if I was to prove to God I was serious about my future, I had to live by two non-negotiables:
“I will not question God’s choice.”
Read Genesis, Chapter 24. The Bible tells us Rebekah was “beautiful”, but her aesthetics would not be what made her stand out. Her advantage came through humility and a strong work ethic. She was faithful, kind and generous to others. She did servant work with a servant’s heart and yet, this woman who carried water back and forth from the well daily never questioned whether she was a suitable wife for Isaac. This was her time, and she owned it.
This is my season for grace, for favor. This is my season to reap what I have sown. ~From Bishop William Murphy's "It's Working"
As I said before, sometimes the only camp you need to break is in your own mind.
You are a child of God, and the Father takes pleasure in giving to His children.
If you have put in the work, don’t question the reward. Own it.
“I will not miss my chance.”
Abraham’s servant had fulfilled his vow to Abraham. Rebekah would be Isaac’s wife.
When they got up the next morning, he (Abraham’s servant) said, “Send me on my way to my master.” But her (Rebekah’s) brother and her mother replied, “Let the young woman remain with us ten days or so; then you may go.” ~Genesis 24:54b-55 (New International Version)
Rebekah’s brother, Laban, was key in her release to go and marry Isaac but he was also pivotal in her potential delay. He had seen and received expensive gifts from Abraham’s servant. Perhaps delay could bring opportunity for more. It could also create an atmosphere for doubt and suspicion about Rebekah’s destiny.
But he said to them, “Do not detain me, now that the Lord has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master.” Then they said, “Let’s call the young woman and ask her about it.” So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” ~Genesis 24:56-58a (NIV)
Delays and distractions leave room for dormancy and doubt.
Rebekah made it clear.
There would be no doubt…
“I will go,” she said. ~Genesis 24:58b
Conversation over.
Why debate about what you already own? Rebekah didn’t.
The deed to her destiny was in her hands. She was going to her promised land.
You can still be active, serving, and not growing. Favor may not last forever. Don’t debate. Don’t delay. Jesus' victory was birthed out of Rebekah's destiny. Seize the opportunity Heaven sets before you. God is ready to save you from your circumstances. Come to Jesus while you have time.
I used to get sad thinking about the time I lost questioning and delaying God’s providential plan for my life. Not anymore.
But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep. ~Excerpt from Robert Frost’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
Jesus came down 42 generations. One of them included Rebekah.
We are still being blessed by Rebekah’s “yes”.
Are you ready to say “yes”?
Next week: Creating a Strategy for the Journey.
See you then.
