Women
In Step ~ The Women's
Ministry of Cornerstone Baptist Church
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EncouragementSometimes we are just plain emotional. I know you know what I am talking about. Some say it is a woman thing but is it really? We all struggle with emotions. They run deep in our being. One glance at an object with no particular meaning can bring a lump to my throat at times. I hate being vulnerable, don’t you? I feel weak, out of control and powerless. It is during these times God gives someone the opportunity to serve me. He empowers service for my benefit. Now you would think I would be ever so grateful for this but NO: I think of me and how weak I am. I don’t want to NEED anyone. Are you relating with me? Or am I out here all alone? I was thinking of this because of our theme this year, “Empowered to Serve.” That’s me, I want to serve others. I want to reflect Christ to others in service. I desire for my service to be a picture of the way Christ served. I...I...I What about your opportunity to serve me? It is so hard for me to give others the opportunity to serve me. Let me tell you how to spell that...P R I D E! Yep that is right. We are prideful when we do not allow others to serve us. Because of the Holy Spirit we are empowered to be served as well as to serve. We have a wonderful example of this in the life of Paul. Who could have been stronger than Paul? Yet in his epistles he is always thanking people for their service to him. He is grateful for it. He is not prideful. In Philippians 4:14, “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.” Paul saw the service from the people of Philippi as kindness. He viewed it from eyes of gratitude not of pride. He considered the other person rather than himself. Yet we know of his strength and endurance in trials. He did not allow this strength to characterize how he related to others. So is it wrong to serve? Absolutely not! We are called to serve. After Jesus had washed the disciples’ feet he said, “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” John 13:15. We are to follow the example of Christ and serve others for the kingdom’s sake. However, we are also to follow Paul’s example and accept the service of others. It is okay to feel weak because Christ says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...for the sake of Christ, then,...when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a,10 As Followers of Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us, which means the power is within us even in times of weakness. Christ gives us the strength to be vulnerable. Christ gives us the strength to be weak. God uses these characteristics in our life to grow us, conforming us to the image of Christ. The next time you feel weak and filled with emotion, take the hug and embrace the encouragement it gives you. We are in this walk of service together. We need to serve together and serve each other for the cause of Christ. God gives us opportunities to serve and be served for His Glory.
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Cornerstone Baptist Church ~ 17017 12 Mile Road ~ Roseville, MI 48066 ~ 586-445-8910Send mail to ldenisehardy@juno.com with questions about this web site.
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