When I was growing up, kids helped out around the house. Imagine that. We mowed the yard, raked leaves, washed dishes, folded laundry, picked up our rooms, took out the trash, swept floors and fed the pets just to name a few. I didn’t exactly look forward to it, but I did it. And honestly, it felt good, like I had done something productive, even noble.
But there was one job I absolutely despised. Stirring. I would be walking through the kitchen on my way outside to play and my mom would stop me and ask me to stir something while she worked on other parts of the meal. It was miserable, first because it required me to stand still and second because there was no clear sign, to me anyway, of when this torture would end. Just stand there, in one spot, and swirl this stuff around until you collapse or Jesus comes back. I think they even named a mental illness after it, stir crazy.
And then I came across this verse a few days ago.
“And the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God.”
God stirs! It might sound strange, but this came as a great relief to me because I have felt the entire weight of “stirring up” people and for keeping them stirred up. Honestly, sometimes it can be frustrating and even exhausting. But it can also be very rewarding when you see others get motivated and take ownership of their role. Hebrews 10:24 says we should consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. And I will continue to do so. But now, I add a prayer to my stirring efforts. “Holy Spirit, will YOU stir up people for this work?” You see, God can stir people in ways that I cannot. So I ask Him. It’s all through your Bible. God stirs people up for things.
Is He stirring you? I pray He is.
If so, contact me or the Area Coordinator for your county and ask how you can partner. Or to find out how to become a financial partner just click on the link below.
Blessings!
David North
District Director NE Tennessee
