Plugging Into the Source
The Global Pandemic of 2020-2021…what a peculiar season! Now more than ever, as women of faith and witnesses to Gospel of Christ Jesus, it is so important for us to “follow God’s example … and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”(Ephesians 5:1NIV) The mission field of family, friends, and our immediate communities are ripe for Harvest! In this season, it is so important for us to focus on our personal discipleship. Walking in the empowering will of the Holy Spirit is the only way we can bring glory and honor to God. Paul outlines some powerful principles regarding our daily living as disciples of The Way. They are wonderful Scriptures for us to meditate on, daily, as we strive to live sanctified lives empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good works in such a time as this!
Let’s start with Romans 12:2, where we are told “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJV) Ladies, our families are a strong ministry field! Pressing into that mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, in all our tasks, no matter how mundane, is one of the strongest ways we can be a witness to the power of the Gospel! In times when the world is loud and full of chaos and anger, our walking in and meditating on The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is a powerful tool of sanctification. It is so important for us to take inventory of ourselves, daily, to ensure we remain in the Spirit so that we don’t backslide into the sins of our flesh. Being in the Spirit doesn’t stop us from experiencing temptation and trials. Jesus warns us that “in this world [we] will have trouble” (John 16:33 NIV), BUT we are encouraged to “rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:3-5 NLT) 2020 has been such a character-exposing and character-building season! It has been a time for us to literally get our houses in order on every level.
Daily encounter with the word of God is not only an anchor in the chaos but also refreshment for the weariness we may find in this season of constant change. We, as women, already wore so many hats and juggled so many responsibilities. 2020 has added homeschool facilitator and Bible teacher to our many responsibilities as mothers. Working from home and having to find work-to-life balance in a space that was once a sanctuary from work and its demands has been another of many challenges! Exhaustion and being overwhelmed seem to be our “new normal.” But there is POWER waiting for us at the feet of Jesus. We must take that first step and plug into the source that all of our help comes from! The Lord says to us in Matthew 11:28-29, “Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (NLT) In those moments when we feel like we have nothing more to give, the Lord is waiting to pour out his living waters through his Holy Scriptures. Let’s make his voice the first we hear every morning. Let’s take time to invite him into every second of our day. “The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6 NIV)
As we begin another year, let’s hold onto the promises of Almighty God and be encouraged:
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NIV)
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35,37-39 NIV)
“Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.… Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you have learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9 NLT)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV)
The mission field may have changed, but our mission remains the same as ambassadors of Christ, to bear witness of the Good News of Christ to all people! May our lives be our most powerful tool of ministry as we work to glorify God in all we do.
About the writer, Aisha Eustache…
Aisha is a Jesus-loving, stay-at-home wife and mama, and a full-time student at The New Jersey School of Ministry, with a focus in discipleship. She attended Kansas State University where she studied Political Science and Public Relations. Aisha previously served as the worship leader for the Evangel Church Women of Wisdom; volunteered as a speaker and worship leader at Renovation House Christian Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Center; and is a member of the NJ United Women’s Ministry Team. Aisha also enjoys reading, spending time outdoors in God’s glorious creation with her amazing family, and having playdates with friends!