It is not for everybody

It’s Not For Everybody

  Your path is just that "your" path. Not everyone with whom you associate can go with you on your path and your journey. Everyone is not built the same way that you have been built, for the same purposes that you have been built. They've not had the same experiences or even reactions to similar experiences. Regardless of how much you love them, how similar your interests are, how similar your upbringing, or how long you've known them they are not you. We have a tendency to hold on to people after their season in our lives has ended. We often expect behaviors, input, outcomes, insight, and knowledge from them that is particular to our purpose and calling. And, we get disappointed when they cannot live up to what we are asking. There's a simple solution.... 

It's not for everybody, it's for you.

   In the book of Acts 15:36-41, there is much of the story of the friendship of Paul and Barnabas. They are friends, co-workers, church-planters, and they have a very interesting story within their relationship. They started several ministries (churches) and projects together. They ministered together and often traveled together. But, they had to go their separate ways. It's not that they didn't love each other, but as humans do from time to time, they had contentious moments... a disagreement. And guess what, the quarrel was about doing God's work. That's right, they fought about the ministry team. Sound familiar? The bible says (v. 39) that the contention was so sharp that they parted. They had different paths to travel.  And different people with whom to travel.  But, that's okay. They both continued to do ministry, they both continued to preach the word of God, and they remained good friends. But not together, and not the same way. They had similar missions and purposes, but not the same. They both were designed by God to do very important things for His Kingdom, but not the same way, same places, or at the same times.

   God has designed you for an important assignment as well. That's your job, not mine. Nor is it your friend's, or pastor's, or even you wife's job. We should not expect this of others. It puts undo pressure on them. Frankly it gives them a job to do that the Lord has not equipped them for. Those people may be involved with or work with you on the same project, and may have even started the project with you, but their job is for them, and your job is for you.  If a person is held onto for too long, a part of their true mission might be hindered. Think about our example. If they had not gone their separate ways, the gospel would not have spread as it did. If they had not separated, churches and ministries may not have begun. They would have been out of place.  And so will you.

We love you and we are praying for you.

Sis. Pinky’s Prayer:

Father, help us to stay in our own lanes in life and fulfill our mission and not in someone else’s!

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

People and Seasons

As seasons in life change- we realize that we do as well.  Have you ever thought, "I wouldn't have liked the type of person I was back then?"  We grow into different people. We grow, we mature, and so we no longer fit into our old lives. 

Some people, places and events are only meant to be main characters or settings in your life for a particular season. It doesn't mean that you love them less (or they, you) only that God needs you (and them) to invest the time previously devoted to them with someone else, or somewhere else. The season ended.

Farmers don't sow seeds in fields that already have crops. If so, the new seeds would take root; the new and old would begin fighting for the nutrients. It would be unhealthy conflict for all. The farmer would have to spend an enormous amount of effort and time remedying that. Do you follow? You're the farmer. Do you want to spend the time investing in the next season of your life; making sure that it's properly tended to? Or, would you rather spend that time straightening out a self-perpetuating mess that is caused by holding on to the past?

Need a biblical reference? I thought you'd never ask. Acts 15: 36-41 tells the story of Paul and Barnabas. Paul wanted to return to previously visited cities. Barnabas wanted to take Mark along with them. Paul protested, as he felt that Mark had abandoned them earlier. The two quarreled, and parted ways. Their season walking together in ministry was over. Sometimes it takes a disagreement. Sometimes going in different directions is the best thing for both parties. In the case of Paul and Barnabas, they were able to spread The Gospel in an area that was twice as big as they could have covered while together. (Don't worry, in Paul's letter (Col 4:10) we see where they reconciled).

God knows what He is doing. Allow people (and circumstances too) to come and go with their proper season. If you don't know when a season is transitioning, look for the changing colors. ;-)

I love you and I am praying for you.

~Pastor Erroyl
SALT