As I have been adjusting to my new lifestyle I’ve been having a difficult time coming to comprehend the cultural norm of slowness down here in Panama. Time seems to be irrelevant down here. I was expecting to be working a lot, non-stop ministry, moving from one project to another. However, there is peace in rest I’m learning.
Ever since I can remember I have been a busy body. I shuffle from one sport to the next, one meeting to another, always on the go and never slowing down. My to-do list is never ending and I cannot stop until it’s done. Part of who I am is being able to get stuff done and move fast with deadlines. My first lesson I have been wrestling with God with is putting that down the go-go-go and being able to rest in his presence.
Matthew 11: 28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
This message was preached about on Sunday night by Pastor Alex. The bible describes a farmers yoke as something to bind oxen together, so the yoke represents labor, service, and submission to authority. Yokes are oppressive when the ones in charge are harsh and cruel, but the Lord’s commands are not burdensome. Jesus’ servants can find rest and refreshment in fellowship with him even when the work is difficult and stressful.
This message speaks to me in a sense that the manual labor being done by my team is extremely difficult and our living situation is stressful. However, when we spend time in his presence we become rested. A part of us is renewed when we dig into his word and spend time alone with him.
Although, I feel as if our ministry should be moving faster, although, I find myself with time I do not know what to do with, God is working within me. My servant heart will get the opportunity to serve, as Ethan told us, “God is more interested in what he does within you than through you”. He has been calling me to come find rest and peace in solidarity with him. Our hands are moving Ethan is teaching us to, “work slow, work purposefully, take a rest when you need”. God is looking for us to do the same. We are not oxen that are only meant do to labor, we should not live our lives checking off a to do list. We are here to build fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ, we are here to know God. It is amazing what he can do within your heart if you let him.
Much love & many blessings,
Rachel
