It Starts Small

My writings have been a bit few over the past few days. That vehicle accident has taken a toll on me. If there is something I have learned, take care of yourself. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I took the week off to just rest and get things taken care of. I am getting ready to move, again, at God’s calling, and my living situation is going to be cut down again. I am ok with it! I have had to sort through things. I can only take things with me that are needed. As I sat on the floor tuesday I looked at all the Christmas stuff I dug out of the closet. There was so much stuff it took up an entire closet. I was trying to decide what to keep and what not to keep. Then a thought passed through my head, why are you keeping this stuff?

I will not go so far as saying God has said, give up all you have and follow me, but in a way he has. I thought about that question a moment: Why are you hanging on to the things of the past? These are all just things. Do you not remember what God promises?

²² When Jesus heard this, he told him, “You still lack one thing: Sell all you have and distribute it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Luke 18:22

⁸ And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

These verses came to mind. I had considered getting a storage unit, but the Holy SPirit prompted an interesting question. Why am I hanging onto all this stuff. In truth, because I felt like if I gave it away I would lose the memories with them. Part of me was hanging on to needing them in hope that those things could recreate the memory.

All this stuff I am donating and giving away, does not benefit the work God has called me to do.

12 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, ² keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Lay aside all the weight that is a hindrance to our journey. I know this refers to sin, but perhaps holding onto all these things is a hindrance because they do not serve the purpose of God. I had to chuckle. God is right. I boxed everything but a few items that are actually sentimental and took two truck loads to the Goodwill. It became very easy to go through stuff and just give it away.

In many ways I feel relieved. I know that someone may be able to get something they need and the funds will go to supporting the community through Goodwill.

Did you know that God promises us double rewards! This was something a spiritual mentor reminded me about as I shared with them this little journey side trip.

¹⁰ After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and doubled his previous possessions. Job 42:10

Instead of your shame you will have a double portion,
And instead of humiliation they will shout for joy over their portion.
Therefore they will possess a double portion in their land,
Everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 67:1

Return to the stronghold, O prisoners who have the hope;
This very day I am declaring that I will restore double to you.
Zechariah 9:12

God promises that when we start taking things out of our lives that weigh us down, keep us from completely surrendering, hindrances, He will bless what is given up twice over. I know I am only talking about physical items, but for me it goes deeper. Surrendering all of my life, God has unloaded my backpack of fear, doubt, disbelief, anxiety, and a host of other things that were blocking my way. He removed mountains of boulders weighing me down. I know I can trust in Him that many more amazing memories will come. The reward is a greater peace and joy.