Still still

Yep...God is still asking me to well...be still.

The two words He spoke the other morning are the words I was, to be completely honest, pretty unexcited to here. Simply those words, BE STILL. After speaking those 2 simple and clear words He made a distinction for me. His command to be still does NOT mean idle. These concepts are dramatically different.

I love looking up the literal meaning of words. Even though I may know what a word means, when I look up the actual definition there is usually something there that catches my attention. For example here is the difference in the word still and idle.

Still: "Devoid of or abstaining from motion" Ok I'm sure none of that definition is surprising, but looking at the definition of some of those words I found more.....devoid means "being without a usual, typical, or expected attribute or accompaniment" and abstain means "to refrain deliberately and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice." Are you seeing where I'm going here? In order to be still it requires alot! It asks of me to be without a usual or typical attribute and to refrain deliberately with an effort of self-denial....being still requires something...it takes effort and requires I deny myself.

Idle: "lacking worth or basis" or " not turned to normal or appropriate use". When I am idle I am not turned to my appropriate use. Lacking basis. I'm missing who God called me to be when I am idle. God doesn't ask that I be idle. Idle signals inaction and unproductivenesss. God said be still...that is an action that takes effort on my part.

I don't do still well....not for a long period of time at least. And that is what can best describe the last four years of my life...God asking me to be still while He prepares me. All I want to do is move forward!!

My desire is to invest into the lives of the young people of this generation. And prior to coming to school I had the opportunity to do that full time in ministry in my church and as challenging as it was at times I am forever grateful for that time. Since returning to school I have not been able to do so in the capacity I'd like...I miss being involved, investing, being apart of a team.  But God is equipping me for the plan He has for my life and a big part of tht is being still...letting Him teach me, grow me, challenge and stretch me.

Trying to move forward before I've been released from this time though tempting is not what is best. Because I've had to slow down (in some ways...school keeps me busy!!), God has had me look and address things I had intentionally covered in my busyness. It takes great effort to intentionally slow down long enough to let God deal with your heart, but I know the rewards of the preparation will be great. I'm excited to get there..but for now...God is still asking that I be still. Soon, just not yet.