Reach Out

 

She reached out and grabbed for my hand.  It was an unusual move for my elderly mother; she thrives on her independence.  She had spent two and a half days in the hospital for a blockage in her colon.  The doctors and hospital staff had solved the issue, but she hadn’t eaten or moved for her two days of incarceration.  She was strong of mind and weak in body.  She must have felt very unsteady to have reached so quickly for my strength. We moved slowly to the car.  I was careful to match my pace to what I felt she was capable of handling.  Her steps were more shuffle than walking.  She knew where she was going, she knew how to get there, and she couldn’t get there on her own. 

We’ve all been there haven’t we?  We want to do things on our own.  Our culture encourages us to be individuals with independence.  We fiercely declare: I can do it!  We’ve been shouting our independence since we were toddlers.  And yet all of us have those seasons when we need to count on the strength of others. 

Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 10 says “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.  For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.”  (CSB) Paul in Acts 20:35 challenges us “…to help the weak…” (CSB) Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works.” (CSB) Romans 15:1-4 talks about strengthening others when their faith is not as mature as our own.  As believers, I think we are so aware that we are to be strong for others, we forget to acknowledge our moments when we need others to step in and steady us. We struggle to admit we need to grasp someone else’s hand so we can take the necessary steps forward.  

I’ve been learning practical lessons about leaning on others as I’ve made myself available for my mom to lean on me.  The first lesson is to ask for help.  It’s okay to say you can’t do it all.  God doesn’t expect us to do everything; we are the body of Christ and not the individuals of Jesus (Romans 12:4 & 5). Second, don’t make everything all about you.  It’s easy when circumstances are hard to fall into the pattern of complaining and focusing only on what we are experiencing.  Sadly, this clouds our perspective and positions us to be unaware when someone reaches out to steady us (James 1:2-4). Third, open your eyes to how you can still meet the need of someone else. Often, those we reach out to for help are also struggling with something.  Remember we are Christ’s body, working together, supporting one another for the purposes of God.  There is comfort and power in knowing you are standing in strength together (Philippians 2:1-4).

Galatians 6:2 tells us we are to carry one another’s burden.  Sometimes we help someone carry their load; sometimes we are the one who is weighed down.  It doesn’t make any difference; we are to be in it together.  We were not created to journey alone.  God is gracious to bless us when we serve, and when we are the one being served.  Reach out your hand. 

Disciple over Discipline

 

For years I labeled myself undisciplined.  I couldn’t seem to exercise with any consistency at all.  My diet was whatever food was convenient.  My house appeared clean, but it really was a well-played illusion.  I’m ashamed to admit I’m bad about changing my sheets every week, and washing my face every night.  For the majority of my 50 some odd years, having a regular quiet time was hit and miss with a distinct lean toward a miss.  I figured it was the bane of my existence, being undisciplined.  I concluded that being disciplined was out of my wheelhouse.

I put on a happy face about my limitation.  I laughed it off, or mentioned that I was “more creative” or “I thrive on being fun!” They are true statements and they covered up what I perceived to be a major point of failure in my life.  After all, successful people, people who are winners, are disciplined.  Right?  I beat myself up, and figured God could never use me in a powerful way.  I spoke lies to myself.  I called myself a bad Christian.  I put silent pressure on myself to match up to some standard that was written nowhere but in my own mind. 

I’m often intrigued by the fact that the word disciple is hidden in the word discipline.  To me, the word disciple speaks of learning and growing, of failing and relearning, of discovering new ideas and erasing old concepts.  It doesn’t scare me like the word discipline.  So I’ve learned to change my perspective.  I’m a disciple and I’m learning.  I’m learning of my desperate need for Jesus.  I’m learning that when I focus on listening to His voice, I become more aware of how He is moving in my life.  I’m learning to give myself grace when life interferes with what I think is the ideal. I’m learning to not be concerned about checking items off a spiritual to-do list, but to engage in a journey with the One who created me and loves me more than I can fathom.

I am continually learning the truth of Proverbs 4:21 and 22.  “Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep within your spirit.  They will impart true life and radiant health into the very core of your being.” (The Passion Translation) Throughout my journey I’ve learned a variety of ways to fill my thoughts with God’s Word.  

• First of all, I journal; I actually journal a lot!  I write which scriptures, phrases and ideas jump out to me as I have my quiet time.  I jot down questions or fresh insights from the Holy Spirit.  I often look up passages in various translations and write down the differences I notice.  I make a point to identify each day how the scripture passage I read applies to the events and responsibilities on my schedule.  My journaling is my response to how God’s Word is speaking to my heart and my need.  
• Secondly I write verses on 3x5 cards that I recognize I need to remember for the day or for a circumstance I am facing.  I often carry the verse in my pocket as a reminder, or I set it up wherever I am working: by my computer, propped up in the kitchen, or used as a bookmark while I read. 
• Third, I write out my prayers.  Some people may consider it journaling, but I’m actually writing out the very words my heart is speaking to God.  I write out my requests, and concerns. I list the names of people I know with needs. I pour out my struggles and beg for wisdom. And I write what my heart hears God saying and my response back. This helps me stay focused as I talk with the Lord. 
• Lastly I set reminders on my phone to stop what I’m doing and check in with Jesus throughout the day.   I check a brief devotional on an app, or I take a moment to breathe out a prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to speak into my immediate circumstance. I’m setting myself up to connect with Christ continually because I am His disciple.

Discipline looks different on different people because God created each of us to be unique disciples.  He calls us to look at Him (not everyone else!) and follow.  We begin by filling our thoughts with His Word; rest in the assurance that they will bring true life.