Am I Blind To My Own Struggles? by Cheryl Laurenza

Photo by Amelia Grace Photography

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Gal 6:8-18 ESV

I have been pondering something the pastor said this morning at our church, (Granite United in Salem, NH) well a couple of things. In talking about using our gifts and talents in the body to build it up as well as to glorify God, I was struck with the thought that it has been far easier for me to minister outside the body over the last couple years. I began to look at the "whys" and how that might have come to be. This is what I was thinking with the above title. I believe I became "weary of doing good" and I also felt I had been hurt and used by the church as far as burn out and a lack of consideration. This was not true of all leaders I was involved with, but sadly some leaders do bring this about because of their own brokenness and bent towards legalism and works, it was however  enough to cause me to pull way back and even attend a different church after resigning from the one that I had worked at for about 8 years.

Now here's where the rubber hits the road for me regarding Gal 6. It's ok for a time to be refreshed, restored etc, but I need to return to the place of allowing God to use what He himself  has given me or I become like the guy who buried his talent in the ground in Matthew 25.  Again, I'm all about healing and grace, yet I recognize the design of how the body works and I am excited about being back using my talent(s) for Him. I can say that I have been focused on "others" outside the family meaning my own, as well as clients that come to me. This is great, but again, being part of the body is what I was designed for and if I am blinded by my own pain, hurt,  selfishness, or indifference, I lose as do those I would have served. God can raise up anyone and I am not indispensable, but needed as are you.

I hope I have encouraged those that have been weary today. Please get help, seek out restoration and as God directs, be open to hearing that still small voice and be led by His spirit, not guilt or coercion. We need to be operating under the power of the Holy Spirit to do what we were created . We need you and your talents, gifts and abilities and have been waiting for you...not in anger or disappointment, but with excitement!

See you on the front lines!!

Cheryl Laurenza, LPC, LCMHC
For more information on aloneness in marriage or otherwise, check out Center For Relational Care out of Austin, TX or contact me via email.
calaurenza@comcast.net
www.refugecounselingcenter.org