Don't Choose to be Exhausted!

Job is a man who had to endure many trials. A couple of chapter’s into the book of Job, we hear a slight hint of discouragement and exhaustion in Job’s voice. Job’s friend, Eliphaz, speaks to him and says, “Look, you have instructed many and have strengthen weak hands. Your words have steadied the one who was stumbling, and braced the knees that were buckling. But now that this has happened to you, you have become exhausted.”[1] Never have I realized the power of these verses until working the phone prayer lines at Joy Ministries.
As I answer incoming calls for prayer, I often find that each person I talk to bears a resemblance to myself or the person that I once was.

For example, this week I received a call from a man who did not want prayer. The man simply began to question me regarding God’s sovereignty over his mortgage and finances. The man expressed doubt concerning God’s provision for his life. I could almost hear the question, “If God is so good…then why?” Ouch. This arrow hit at the core of my doubts.

I admit, I have doubts at times concerning why God does the things that He does.

Now, I did not tell the man about my faith struggles.

Instead, I encouraged him. I prayed for His provision… As I got off of the phone, a deep realization hit me. I was a bit saddened at the man’s discouraged tone but I realized that I was talking to a man who was an image of me at times. A self that tends to doubt, be a skeptic, and miss the provision that is already in front of my face that God wants to bless me with. And suddenly, I was reminded of the advice of Eliphaz. I can give such good encouragement and believe with other people… but could I be so wise as to digest that advice that God was giving me for myself? Or, alternatively… would I choose to be exhausted?

When I endeavored to intern at Joy Ministries the main cry of my heart was to serve God and be an ambassador of God's healing to those who are in need. And somehow, God has been gracious enough to challenge me and teach me in the process. After I hang up the phone, after each prayer call, I feel the Lord gently tapping on my shoulder. He says, “Krystle, the words I gave you for that person…I want you to digest for yourself. The feeling of hope you have for them…. I want you to have for yourself.” I cannot help but smile. I am walking this journey with the people that I am ministering to. Some things they have struggled with are a part of my past. Some things they struggle with are my current situations. But the joy in all of this is that the same capable God leads us all.

How good are you at digesting for yourself the wisdom and belief that you give and have for others? Don't be exhausted......

[1] Job:4:4-5