I constantly find myself meditating on two seemingly contradictory commands—to work heartily (Colossians 3:23-24) and to move gently (Matthew 11: 29).
With the arrival of our first baby in June, this year will bring big changes in the way I disciple. And yet, I still find myself passionate for the lost around me. I am eager to walk alongside people to make use of every opportunity to introduce them to Jesus. I want to help young believers deepen their relationship with Him, and understand their role in the Great Commission.
The Lord spoke in a big way recently to reconcile for me these seemingly contradictory commands. The answer, of course, is dependence on Him. A dear friend, who shares my heart for making disciples, started a beautiful gathering of friends to celebrate the Shabbat. I of course want to be there to both support her and to worship our Lord with others. But now my pregnancy limits my ability to be everywhere.
I sensed the Lord telling me to remain at home and to be praying over the gathering as I rested. I obeyed (reluctantly). Throughout the night, I prayed over every moment of the gathering. I prayed for my friend to be filled with the Holy Spirit as she led the time and for the Lord to be present in undeniable ways.
At the end of the night, I received a phone call with news of the most incredible outcomes. I cannot begin to explain how the Lord worked! He was listening to my prayers over the evening, and was faithful to answer each of them.
God has greatly encouraged me with this lesson—that as disciplemakers, it is not our job to be everywhere all the time. The Lord needs us to run to Him faithfully in prayer, resting and relying on Him. In this way we can obey both of His commands: We can work at this heartily… by His power. And through faithful prayer, we can simultaneously rest and trust in Him to fulfill His promises.
