[Discoveries] 01-31-07 Pure joy

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. -- Matthew 11:30 */

Several of our pastors were sick one day, so when the call came in that 
someone in the mental health center requested a visit, the request was 
referred over to me. With a little hesitation, I agreed to go. It had 
been several years since I had visited anyone in this lock down 
facility, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But as I was walking up to 
the door of the building, I felt that the Lord was reassuring me that He 
would be with me and everything would be okay.

I sat down in the visiting room, and the woman I went to visit opened up 
her heart and poured out her story. In many ways, her story is no 
different than any of ours: pain, misunderstanding, injustice, the touch 
of God, oppression, regret, and forgiveness.

Several things went through my mind as I sat there and listened: the 
love God has for her; the place she has in heaven; what she has to teach 
us. The time passed quickly. When I finally thought to look at my watch, 
I was surprised how late it was. I prayed with her -- in awe that our 
victorious God has His powerful grip on her life. And I invite you to 
join me in praying for her.

We recently talked about how much Jesus wants us to care for "the least 
of these brothers of Mine." When I got the call, I was in the middle of 
a crazy week and that afternoon was really my only chance to get done 
what I thought I needed to get done.

But do you know something? When I walked out of that mental health 
facility, I forgot all about all the important work I had to do. I was 
just overcome by joy. Partly I suppose to see the smile on this woman's 
face that someone listened and cared. But much more just the sense that 
I had shared a precious visit with Jesus.

What God asks of us -- it's so crazy because when we do it we discover 
that it isn't an interruption, it isn't drudgery -- it is pure joy.

Be encouraged!
Dwight


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