PrintPONDERING MY PURPOSE (2)
In my last entry I began to reflect upon the four-fold purpose of this website called "Barnabas Network". To Support The Faithful was the focus of that entry. The second aspect of my Statement Of Purpose is this:
To Strengthen the Weary
To encourage those who are currently enduring a season of struggle and weariness to find their strength in God - especially when the winds and currents are making progress hard-going.
I think back to the time when King David (before he was king) was pursued relentlessly by King Saul whose only mission in life had become the destruction of David. In the midst of this life-threatening drama Saul's son, Jonathan, found David in the desert and helped him find his strength in God (1 Samuel 23/16).
I might just as well have named this site "Jonathan Network" because he provided something that David very much needed during a season of life that was wearying (to make a giant understatement!).
In the New Testament there was a man from Cyprus named Joseph who was nicknamed 'Barnabas' by the Apostles. His name meant 'Son of Encouragement'. Like Jonathan, he was known for his desire and ability to bring strength and encouragement to others.
I have benefitted so much over the years from those who have been my "cheer squad". When the race has seemed too hard and I was ready to give up, there have been those who came alongside and assured me that I could complete the task. In numerous ways they have helped and supported by their words of encouragement and their practical involvement.
There are few experiences and emotions that are more debilitating than weariness. I often think about the times when the disciples were caught in a storm out on the lake. Mark 4 has them fearing for their very lives because of the severity of the storm. Mark 6 has them straining at the oars because of the persistence of the storm.
The Mark 4 event was sudden, life-threatening, overwhelming. Weariness was not their problem in that moment. Fear and terror were! However, the Mark 6 event was not marked by fear and terror. The lives of the disciples were not at risk. The real threat was in the form of weariness and exhaustion. So much effort for so little progress. So much time given for so little return. Would they continue to press on in their endeavour to reach their goal or would they surrender to their weariness and just run with the wind.
The one common factor in both Mark 4 and Mark 6 is the presence of Jesus. No matter the kind of storm in which we find ourselves, the resolution for either fear or weariness is the assurance of Jesus' presence. "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." (Mark 6:50-51 NIV).
In my desire to fulfill this second part of my purpose statement I try to address issues and experiences that acknowledge the reality and danger of weariness and that reflect the truth of the following verses
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Gal 6:9 NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Heb 12:1-3 NIV)
