For me rest is an elusive thing. I think it might be for most people but maybe particularly for ministers. Sunday is designed for rest and yet for me it is the day my work comes to a head. I am most exhausted at the end of a weekend. For pastors the saying seems to be more,"Thank God it's Monday". Any way, I was reading in the Old Testament and God explained the reason for the Sabbath. We are to rest because it "humbles your soul". I guess I never thought of it like that. There is something about work that makes one feel important. God says, "Take a day completely off and watch the world continue on without you. Do it every week so you remember that you really aren't that all important. Sit, sleep, rest, and watch how I do what I do and worship". The elders have decided to give me a sabbatical starting this next week. A sabbatical is an extended sabbath, an extended time to rest and restore. I think it will be good. I am not good at resting but I will learn. I know it sounds weird. I will miss all the day to day activity but I will look forward to watching God do His thing. The sabbath is designed to teach me more than I ever learn while working. So, the rest of you, enjoy the weekend, take some time off, we will humble our souls together this summer and keep our eyes peeled for the One, the Only One who never sleeps or slumbers.
Join in realizing the vision of Christ Community Chapel with Senior Pastor Joe Coffey
3 comments:
I thank our Father our elder board has the wisdom to give you some time off. The first half of 2007 have definitely had it's share of ups and downs for you!
Sounds like there will be more than one "Tuesday" each week for you for a while. God Bless and enjoy some time relaxing!!
...and on the seventh day, God rested... we are no better than God's own stamina. Rejoice in this as a well respected, deserved and well earned time of re-energization.
Joe, we love you and your family; who loans you to us in order that we may grow in spirit and with our Heavenly Father. God Bless you, Phillip Howard
"From the time they first followed Jesus; Christian workers have faced great stress. Soon after they were called and appointed to ministry, the disciples found their ministry to the crowds so pressing that they did not even have time to eat (Mark 3:20). Nearly a year later, the stress was still so great that they still did not have time to eat, and they could not escape the crowds even when they tried (Mark 6:31-33).
Paul, cross-cultural worker to the Gentiles, listed some of his stressful situations for us.
Worked hard, labored, toiled
Imprisoned repeatedly
Beaten, lashed, stoned
Constantly on the move
Shipwrecked, a night in the sea
In danger from own countrymen
Danger in the city, danger in the country
Danger from "false brothers"
Went without sleep
Hungry, thirsty
Cold, lacked clothing
Pressure of the concern for the churches
(2 Corinthians 11:23-28)
Reading the book of Acts, you will find that early Christian workers faced a variety of stressors.
Physical disability
False accusations
Opposition by local religious leaders
Lies and criticisms of other believers
Weather delays halting travel
Headwinds slowing travel
Theological differences within the church
Sharp personal disagreements
Riots
Limited financial resources
Evacuations
Snakebite
Legal action against them"
Ronald Koteskey & Marty Seitz
http://www.crossculturalworkers.com/ss_stress.htm
And now for another honest (albeit selfish) response - my first reaction upon reading of the sabbatical was, "Oh, no! Not now!" Followed by a re-reading, prayer and the realization that it's a wonderful time for you to have some time to re-charge.
I haven't yet signed up for an identity and am just now 'brave enough' to post my thoughts (although your blogging has sparked many.) You're a 'regular' in our family's "thankful for" prayers.
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