I know my title this week isn’t true to the original, which says, “No rest for the weary.” I think it goes hand in hand with the proverb that states, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person to do.” I have found that people of purpose are almost always busy, because situations who need what they are seems to find them. I have also found that people of purpose tend to earn their rest, yet they often don’t need their rest like everyone else does. Are you confused? I may be as well, but to find out if I am, you will need to read on.
NO LUNCH, NO BREAK
I have often referred to Jesus when he met with the woman at the well in John 4. He had sent the disciples away for lunch while He rested by the well. When the woman came, He engaged her in conversation and ended up revealing to her the secrets of her heart. She was so amazed that she went back to her village to bring others to “come and see a man who told me everything I ever did!” (John 4:29). When the disciples got back with food, they were surprised to see Jesus talking with this woman.
They were also surprised that Jesus was no longer hungry when they offered Him the food they had brought back with them. Jesus responded when offered something to eat, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (John 4:34).
Jesus was hungry and tired when the disciples had departed. Now He was energized and no longer hungry because He had been fulfilling His purpose of seeking and saving the lost.
PURPOSE LESSONS
Here are some lessons to remember from John 4:
1. Purpose is sometimes better than food. What can you do and not worry about missing a meal? That may be an indication of what your purpose is.
2. Purpose energizes you. It releases adrenaline, the good kind, that gives you the strength to work long and hard. You need rest but usually you aren’t fatigued when you function in your purpose.
3. Jesus didn’t go looking for the woman; she came to Him. Your purpose comes to you and it doesn’t always honor your space or need to be alone. What task or group of people seem to find you.
Jesus added this comment after He said He had other food to eat that the men didn’t know anything about: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest” (John 4:35). Jesus was not instituting Sabbath or rest principles here; He was urging His followers to get busy! Could He be telling you the same thing?
What will you look for this week, rest or purpose? I urge you to seek purpose for in purpose you may find the rest for which you have been so desperately seeking. Have a great week!
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MEMO INDEX: Did you know that my website has an index of every Monday Memo, complete with the title, topic and all the Bible verses quoted therein? If you are looking for something specific, you can easily check the index and find out what I have written about purpose, faith, productivity and many other topics.
HALLOWEEN: I wrote an article years ago concerning Halloween that has been published in magazines and newspapers around the world. I have updated that article and can send it to you for any contribution to my ministry between now and October 30. This article is perfect for newsletters, church bulletins and other publications. You can contribute on my website using PayPal or send a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. I will send you a Word and PDF file of the article for you to use in whatever way you choose.
ASSESSMENT: Have you taken the purpose assessment on my updated website? Four hundred people have done so since my new site went up and I hope you are among that group. If you haven't done so yet, why not do so now and then follow up with some of the online resources that can improve your score?
SEVEN STEPS: I had three coaching sessions a few weeks ago and then told my wife, "These were the best sessions I have ever had. There is no one who approaches purpose the way I do, and I know I really helped the people with whom I met." That isn't a boast, but it is an acknowledgment that God has given me something special with which to help His people. With that in mind, I am offering another special on my Seven Steps coaching program. If you want to progress in the area of purpose, then I strongly suggest you invest in yourself. The cost of the program is $699, but I will discount it to $499 through October 20. You can make payment on my website using PayPal or send a check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 91099, Pittsburgh, PA 15221. Credit cards are also accepted. You can read about the Seven Steps program here.
The topic is very encouraging, keep it up the good work it's not in vain
Posted by: Mary Ngechu | October 31, 2008 at 12:06 PM