[Awake4HisReturn] Fw: [FaithatWork] Devotion, Wed. 2/16/11, For Love of the Body
From: Stephen C <faithandworklife@yahoo.com>
To: FaithatWork@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sun, February 13, 2011 11:03:44 PM
Subject: [FaithatWork] Devotion, Wed. 2/16/11, For Love of the Body
For Love of the Body
By: Therese McNichol
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
I have always loved my job at the ministry, but last year I began experiencing a desire to work fewer hours. In addition to this ministry, I also belong to other small groups. As I looked around the body of Christ,I could see the needs I wasn't able to meet because of my full-time work status. I was torn between serving the body through my job and being more available to support the needs of my brothers and sisters in Christ. My heart was moved with love for them and I wanted to do more.
Thus began a discernment process my husband and I undertook in asking the Lord for clarity. Reducing my hours would mean sacrificing a significant part of our income. It was also a risk because of our uncertain economy. What if Tom lost his job or got sick and wasn't able to work? How much less of a tithe would we be able to give? We periodically battled fear and wrestled with selfish motives before arriving at our decision.
There were two signs we felt were necessary in order for us to proceed with this choice. When my daughter, Theresee, agreed to work full-time, this was the first confirmation we needed. Because she had work during college, Terry and I knew she was well suited for the position. Our second confirmation came when Tom's school contract was renewed for the following year. Having received our signs, we felt confident in making the choice to begin reducing my hours. The Lord had provided what we needed.
TAKE THE CHALLENGE: What might Our Father be asking you to sacrifice for the sake of the body of Christ? What gets in the way of your responding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?
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