April 19, 2012
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No Running in the Pasture…
Sky and I are in another season of taking some time each night to pray for wisdom regarding our future (along with praying for current needs of the church). Each night after praying together we will take a few minutes just to listen, and then we will share what we feel God putting on our hearts.
During our first night doing this I felt in my spirit God saying to approach ministry, particularly some of the new things God is leading us into, from a place of rest. But when Sky shared (not knowing what I got), she said it in such a great way. She said, “I feel a strong warning that we come from a place of rest and that we do not ‘run around’ on the green pasture, but rather we lie down.”
She was referring to Psalm 23 where Scripture says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Sheep are meant for the pastures. There are times where they have to move to new places, and that can involve the valley of the shadow of death and it can also mean still waters, but their main place is meant to be the pasture. And in that place they are meant to lie down.
So often we can get caught up in running around and trying to do things to take care of ourselves and the ministry, and while work and effort are good, they should all come from a place of rest in knowing that God is control. He is the author and perfecter and provider. Any actions outside of rest express a lack of faith in God and rather a faith in our own works, and how can we expect God to bless that?
No running around in the pasture folks! When God brings you to a place, find rest in knowing that He is control and that He will give you all the wisdom, strength, and provision you need as you look to Him.
God bless!
