Friday, September 12, 2014

A Pace of Grace

As I was in the States in May of this year, I did a bit of reflection, and God convicted me of a few things that I needed to incorporate in my life as I returned to Slovakia.  One of those things was to slow down!  Virtually every day, I had found myself rushing to different appointments, hurrying through the grocery store, and anxiously trying to get my 'to do' list done for that day.  There seemed to often be that underlying sense of trying to perform to meet my, or other people's, stated or unstated expectations which led to a less than peaceful existence with myself!  

I'm so thankful that, as I have returned to life and ministry in Slovakia, I have found that inner rhythmn with the Lord and have allowed myself the freedom to really enjoy His presence and all that He has given me to enjoy in this beautiful life of being His servant for His glory!  It was such a confirmation and so encouraging  to me as I read the monthly 'Soul Care Reflections' that our organization publishes by Randy Rains which stated the following:  'Jesus lived and ministered in a relaxed way. He invites us to follow Him not only as The Truth, but also as The Way. As you reflect upon the life of Jesus you sense an inner rhythm of unhurriedness about the way He lived and served. You might say He lived and ministered at the pace of grace. Does that phrase describe the pace of your life and work? What does it even mean to live at the pace of grace? That's a great question.

To live at the pace of grace means to live an unhurried life. It doesn't mean we will never face urgent situations or serious needs. It simply means that whatever circumstances we face, whatever responsibilities are before us, we move toward them and through them with an inner rhythm of calmness and patience… just as Jesus did. We don't allow the pace of the world and the needs of people to determine the pace at which we live. Our pace is set by the internal clock of the Spirit and 
the voice of the Master. As Paul reminds us - "All who are led by the Spirit of God will be called the 
children of God" – Romans 8:14. The pace of our lives should be calibrated from an inner calling, not driven by outer needs and strategic plans.' 

May you find that unhurried pace of grace so that you can most effectively serve and honor the King of kings in your life, while enjoying His presence and the beauty of all that He has given you.