Women’s Ministry Minute
With Michelle Lutz
I have been struggling a bit with discipline during this time. I’m a partial extrovert, and am very externally motivated. In this time of heightened virtual connections that require a lot of personal and internal effort, I find myself being drained very quickly and constantly loosing steam. At times I can feel like I’m drowning with trying to keep up with the children, dishes, cleaning and laundry all while I’m desiring to be up to date with virtual interactions. My motivation to do any of it is intermittent. With my “type B” personality I love to sit and try to figure out how to do tasks while expending the least amount of energy possible. This can be very confusing to my “type A” workhorse of a husband. The past couple days have been getting better as I’m finding a new groove and I make sure to talk about how I’m doing in my d times and with Josh.
This scripture always convicts me:
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.”
The beginning of this chapter is essentially taking about getting out of debt, and in verses 10 and 11 it says poverty will result from resting too much and being lazy. There have definitely been times where I’ve felt like I’m in “debt” with house work. Josh is incredible at helping around the house but he shouldn’t have to “bail me out” a bunch. I know I need to rely on God and the spirit as my motivation and not my own strength which is clearly lacking. While that scripture in proverbs is convicting, these two are super inspiring.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
“She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
God has given us his powerful spirit a spirit of love and self-discipline. When we rely on his strength, we can make progress with any challenge.