Refresher Course

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

This verse was the scripture theme for the sermon I heard this morning in my church. The guest speaker entitled the sermon, "How to Untie the Nots In Our Life." He then pointed out the four 'nots' that were in this Bible verse. I found his message very poignant and meaningful.

I was thinking about the opportunities you may have to take a refresher course on something you already have learned. Perhaps you want to re-certify in CPR. You need to restudy the information and be tested to make sure you remember how to save someone's life. Sometimes it costs money for the refresher course, but sometimes it is free. It still will require you to set aside time from your schedule to delve into the material.

As I sat in church this morning, I was burdened and heavy ladened. I had felt that way since last evening, and it continued through the church service, until God gave me my own refresher course. While the speaker talked about the nots, I was reminded of the lesson that God taught me through my month long spiritual retreat in February.

I remembered the freedom I have to choose. Even though I was feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by a situation, God reminded me that I didn't need to stay in that camp. I could choose to continue to carry the load and be burdened by it, or I could choose to put it on His ample shoulders and allow Him to haul it for me.

In that one instant, He brought my troubles into complete clarity. Do I want to carry it alone and have it affect my health? Or do I want to give it to Him, and allow Him to carry me instead? Hmm..not much of a choice there. I immediately placed the burden in His capable hands and felt His peace. I choose this day to rest in Him!