May 11: Insight Post by Kim Feld
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
I have had the privilege of traveling to some of the world's poorest areas on mission trips. I have been amazed at the joy and vibrancy of the Christians who live in extreme levels of poverty by American standards. One of the things that has stayed with me for years came from a person I met. He told me that he prays fervently for the needs of American Christians. I was puzzled because our standards of living were so different. He went on to say that God is his lifeline, responsible for literally the next food he will put in his mouth. His fear was that “wealth” would cause a self-sufficiency that could prevent us from relying on God. Wise words.
The passage from Luke 12 highlights the price of valuing the accumulation of things more than God. I am ashamed to admit how often the Amazon driver visits my house, bringing something that I NEED. It’s fast, convenient, and saves time by eliminating the trip to a store. In my busy lifestyle, it seems imperative. But is it really?
Only God knows how many days are allotted to each of us. Some will live long, others won’t. Why put off the things that will impact me eternally? I have no idea how long my life may be. God wants me to steward the blessings He has given me well, but He doesn’t want me to pay more attention to the blessing than to the Blesser.
As I ponder simplicity this month, the words that have kept running through my mind are “make room.” Make room in my day. Make room in my calendar. Make room in my home. I believe with all my heart that God desires for me to have enough room in my schedule so that He can bring a divine interruption whenever He sees fit. Sometimes that could be a person to interact with, or an idea for blessing someone. When my schedule and life are so full, I have no blank space for any of that. He wants me to make room.
This spiritual practice is impacting me on a deeper level than any of the others we have looked at this year. I feel this is a crucial area that God wants to work within me. Right now, I’m just trying to listen and follow.
Is God speaking to you about the busyness of your life, or maybe the excess you have accumulated that you now have to manage? God is always waiting for us. Unlike us, He always has time.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org