Willing
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8
Insight
My word this past year was WILLING. I'm not sure why, but it has challenged and stretched me further than any previous words have. I chose the word based on a quote from Paul Tripp. He says, "Love is the willingness to have less free time, less sleep, and a busier schedule in order to be faithful to what God has called you to be and to do as a spouse, parent, neighbor, etc."
As a parent of three little kids, this quote got my attention. I already felt like I had little free time, less sleep, and a busier schedule than I would prefer. But as I looked back over 2021, I didn't feel as though I had been faithful to what God had called me to be. Instead, I felt rushed, busy, and burnt out in ways that made me unwilling to say yes to things that God was stirring in my heart.
The word WILLING became a sort of gut check for me. Was I willing to say yes to my kids more than no? Was I willing to invite others in even if it felt uncomfortable? Was I willing to let go of control of some things at work? Ultimately, was I willing to have less free time, less sleep, and a busier schedule to be faithful to what God had called me to be as a spouse, parent, neighbor, etc.?
After a year of working at being willing, I can say with complete confidence that I have experienced God's love in more beautiful and profound ways than ever before. I have seen His love manifest through community in ways I never imagined and felt His nearness - all because I have intentionally worked to be willing. Yes, it made for a fuller schedule and more to juggle, but it was different than the routine of busy monotony that I felt before.
It was a purposeful busy that energized my heart. Being willing helped me see the millions of ways God is always working behind the scenes. It wasn't simply a charge to always say yes, but more to be faithful to who God was calling me to be as a spouse, a parent, a neighbor, an employee, and more.
In the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5, Jesus says, "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles" (vs. 41). In this verse, Jesus isn't calling us to be passive doormats that take whatever order comes our way. Instead, Jesus challenges His followers to demonstrate strength by freely giving away more than the enemy can take. He challenges us not to do the bare minimum but to go the extra mile. He encourages us to be willing.
We have been bought with a price and can live freely in a relationship with God that calls us to a different way of life than the world. We live differently so that the world may know His love. God is love, and our willingness to be used by Him for His purposes is where we ultimately find who we were made to be.
Reflection
Where is God challenging you to be willing by displaying faith and obedience?
Prayer
God, thank you for the beautiful work You are always doing that I often miss when I'm focused on myself. Help me to say yes to the things You are stirring in my heart, and give me eyes to see where You are leading me. I desire to be faithful to the person, spouse, parent, neighbor, friend, employee, and child You have called me to be. Give me the courage to willingly obey. Amen.
Katie Robinson, Port City Kids' Home Coordinator, wrote today's devotional.