Women’s Ministry Minute
July 9, 2020
With Rose Carpenter
Oh, where do I begin? Well I guess from the beginning of my journey of “Enjoying the Peace of His Presence.”
This year has been especially hard. Mentally, physically, and spiritually. I love “my kids” at school and I would have some wonderful talks and moments with them but the almost constant things I heard and/witnessed took it’s toll. Sometimes I would come home and just cry, “Why am I there?”, “I can’t do this anymore.” Then came the “stay at home.” At first it was, “Yes! This is what I need! No more drama. No more my heart is aching so much for a child and I don’t know what to do about it.” After awhile though I was alone, no one else but me. I would talk with God but not TALK with God. Then one day I came across a book called, “Jesus Calling Enjoying Peace In His Presense”. Tasha had given this to me months ago and I flipped through it and set it aside (sorry Tasha). I started to read it and WOW! Talk about an eye opener. I could hear God saying, “Ok Rose, you are ready to listen.”
This is what I have been learning (so far): I view each day as an adventure planned by God and He is with me every moment wherever it leads. I am not ashamed of my emptiness but I see it as the best condition to be filled up. He sees straight through me and is transforming my weaknesses into strengths. What I didn’t realize was my worries were infesting my mind and in order to break free of this bondage I had to trust in God. When I did this I would be refreshed in His Presense. (This was/is a hard one)
God is with me and for me and I face NOTHING alone. Much of my exhaustion resulted from my constant battle against the world, myself, and Satan. However, I am on the path of God’s choosing. When I feel like I’m sinking I call out, “Help me!” and He will draw me back even if I call out a thousand times.
And finally, with tears in my eyes (I know, you’re not surprised), I remember:
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8
I am a work in progress. Step by step. To God be the glory.