“Seek first the kingdom of God” – this is the attitude I want to have in everything I do. I feel it is one of the foundations God has set for me in my faith. When I seek first God’s kingdom, I never have to hold on to any worries! I know that my heavenly Father knows what I need. I trust Him to place me wherever He sees fit – whether that is in the relationships being cultivated in my life, in my workplace, in my faith journey or in the small, and the big decisions I have to make on any particular day. Sure, there are times when my soul is weary and downcast, but I know that I have Jesus with me always and together, we can overcome anything!
One example comes from the last term of my internship. I was in the emergency department and I found I didn’t enjoy the work as much as I thought I would. In addition I was stressed about balancing all my rosters (commitments at work and church), and conscious of how effectively I might be reflecting God’s glory in my work. So, I began to pray; to wake each morning and make a conscious decision to give that day to the Lord. I prayed that I would have the spirit of excellence in my work, that I would shine out His light in my workplace, that I would serve Him with all that I am. I knew that the Lord understood my deep desire to honour Him, even in my workplace, and even in my weaknesses. While my work did not suddenly become easy, I had the peace of God with me, and it guarded my heart and mind in Christ. God did amazing things in that workplace, even through my weakness. I knew Him as my protector, as the one guiding my hands, and as the all-knowing God. The Lord and I worked together, and as I worked, I continued to speak with Him – to thank Him for things, ask Him for things, and to just be sensitive to His presence and His Spirit at my workplace.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – [Philippians 4:6-7]
Even in my struggle, I found I had great joy and thanksgiving in my heart because I had submitted the struggle to God and I knew He was faithful. I did what I could with my rosters, but I trusted God to do what he would with them – everything worked out in an incredible way and I truly rejoiced in the many victories God provided during this season. He works in me according to His good pleasure.
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” – [Hebrews 13:20-21]
There is peace in submission to God, knowing that He is your good shepherd. We can never be taken out of His hands, and we can know that God fights for us, and protects us. He lifts us up when we are broken, and He dances with us in victory. He encourages us everyday, and never fails to declare His love over us. We can submit to Christ in confidence, knowing that He knows our weaknesses, was first to overcome them all, and has given us the power to overcome. So, in all things, and despite every situation, let us be assured with peace and joy, knowing that we will overcome, because Jesus already has overcome it all.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – [Hebrews 12:1-2]
lostnowfoundk's Blog 