Authentic Leaders Build Purpose
Define Your Pain – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Acts 6:1-7

Key Verse: Acts 6:2

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

If you are able to read the first seven verses of Acts chapter six, you will get a good feel for the pain the twelve disciples were experiencing in the early days of the church.  The compassionate ministry was in full swing in these early days and food was being distributed among the poor.  The disciples found themselves so involved in this process it was consuming more time than they felt it should.  As they analyzed their schedules, they concluded that the ministry of the Word was being squeezed out of their lives because of the heavy responsibilities.  Something needed to change!

            Have you ever felt that same pain?  You find yourself involved in lots of very worthy projects but the most important things were not getting their proper attention.  If so, you have just defined your pain.  You have identified an area that needs adjustment and some boundaries erected.  Our world will always have more needs than we can keep up with.  God has a calling for all of us and we must protect that main thing that only we can give.  When you feel stressed and overwhelmed, you are probably missing some boundaries in your life.  You are probably saying yes when you should be saying no.

            God gave us the feelings of pain as warning lights in our lives that something is wrong.  Are you listening?

Father, I need your wisdom to discern my gift to offer this world.  Protect me from the many distractions that come my way.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.