In a “Used Place”

Reaching the end, and looking over my shoulder, I realize how hard it is to feel fresh. Alive. Invigorated. Charged up and ready to charge ahead. This morning, early, again, I feel like I’m in a “used place” and feeling exhausted. There is no charging port. No refuels today. Or tomorrow.

Maybe next week.

These feelings come from the struggles of life that pile up. Eventually you feel overwhelmed and smothered. Where’s the open road and unlimited funds? Where’s the hideaway? Turn off that blasted noise! Peace. Quiet. Solitude.

This morning, I found a Starbucks that opened at 5 a.m. I had to wait a few moments for it to open, but I watched the workers scurry around to their appointed task of readying the store for an influx of customers. There are four ladies and they all seem to know what needs to be done. Working in concert. Before the crowds undo their best laid plans and clean environment. At the end of their day, escape back to their personal lives. Away from the stresses of the hour.

This is where I’m thinking today. There’s much to be done, and the end of my day has not yet come. Yes, the sun will rise and set many times before I reach the ending of my calling and responsibilities, and until that far off time or place, I will keep resisting the urge to quit early.

How do others handle this feeling of being in a “used place”?

Jesus Says

Jesus and his disciples happened upon a man who was blind since birth. A theological conversation ensued, “Who sinned that this man was born blind?” It’s not that anyone sinned, but this man’s condition is simply here to show the works that God can do. (John 9)

In other words, this man was born blind, lived blind into adulthood, all to simply show that God has the power to heal, restore, or at least to set on the right path at some later date. My inside view is this. Life happens. We cannot necessarily blame any others for where we are, or what we face, or even the outcome of choices made in our lives.

But then Jesus takes it a step further. Depending on the translation you read, the opening word begins with “I” or “We”.

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day:
the night cometh, when no man can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”  
John 9:4-5 (KJV)

Essentially, while I am here I have nothing more important to do than to do the works of the one who commissions me to work. There is no stopping place. Yes, Jesus withdrew to quiet places to recharge his batteries, but he was always on call for everyone that needed him.

Paul Says

In his last instructions to any of us who read the Apostle Paul, he speaks to Timothy in a clear voice.

“But you must keep a clear head in everything. Endure suffering.
Do the work of a missionary.
Devote yourself completely to your work.”  
2 Timothy 4:5 (GW)

Do The Work… Devote yourself completely to your work. Endure whatever it takes to do the job. Keep a clear head in every challenge you face.

Why? Just as the disciples received the commission to continue what Jesus began, Timothy was receiving his marching orders from his mentor and pastor.

Remember, before the harvest, every seed must die to itself, be planted in the field, nurtured to growth and the ending.

What Do the Others Teach?

Well, I’m glad you asked. It seems our greatest examples are the Savior and the most prolific missionary and writer of the New Testament.

Peter writes in his second letter the building blocks for fruitfulness. You know the addition list: Faith + Virtue + Knowledge + Temperance + Godliness + Brotherly Kindness + Charity (Love) (2 Peter 1: 5-7) These are the building blocks to a Godly life! From these blocks of life you will never be fruitless or so overwhelmed you cannot continue to be productive till the end!

James writes his instructions from a different place. His personality and mission is different, but he tells us to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). I hear him telling us to not forget to be like Jesus! Throughout his short letter he reminds us that our focus is not on the wealthiest, but to watch over the orphans, widows, and the poor. Think about it. This group of three are in a horrible “used place” and need so much more to help them up and out of their spot of life.

John teaches us that walking in darkness is hard, and full of dangerous opportunities to take a misstep. But walking in the Light of the Lord is liberating! (1 John 1)

Here’s My Thought Today

This world is a “used place” and we are caught in the middle of needing to be here to do the work while there is still day to work, and the deep desire to leave and be with Christ. While there is day, we are to work, but at the same time, we need to learn how to recharge our systems so we can be effective.

Remind yourself you must continue the mission of Jesus has he has purposed in your life. Not everyone will be the leader in the fight, nor the savior of the moment, but every single one of us begins first as a person of prayer.

I tweet all the time as the thought comes to mind, and I believe through this God is directing me down a particular path. Listen to my last few thoughts over the past several days.

• Is serving God simply a matter of convenience, or is He only found in desperation? We better make up our minds and live as we should…our end waits for no second chances! Death has no mulligans…

• When you slam the door on someone you may have just closed your mind to a miracle from God that takes a long time to show up. It’s God’s timing you are impatient with, and that’s sad. Why do we try to control God’s blessing? Because we are human and imperfect…

• I wonder what our personal world would be like if we would speak life from our attitude instead of death from our tongue. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Pause

Slow down. Pause. Think about who you are, where you are, and what your “used place” looks like. Now, think about what are you supposed to be, and get busy sprucing up your spot in life and get about the business He’s called you to. You are not here to nag, but to love others to Jesus.