FIGHT, FLIGHT OR FAITH
Prayer: Lord, may we do all things through faith; trusting God as our strength, song and salvation.
Scripture: “Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid ; For the LORD GOD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2 NAS
This year has brought many amazing opportunities to serve the Lord and share His love; but with every opportunity to serve, there have also been opportunities to learn and grow. There was a three month period that brought more ministry responsibility and opportunity than I ever dreamed or imagined. The pure intention to serve God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength also bled into all of my time, energy and attention. Work days grew longer and more intense. I was excited beyond words about the doors God had opened and motivated to make the most of it. Spiritually, I gave credit to the Holy Spirit for the favor I experienced and the energy I had as I worked with little sleep and less nutrition. What I did not recognize was the physical reality of the daily adrenalin rush that occurred with every “victory,” additional responsibility and the frustration of pressuring myself to please God and man. I wanted so badly to be a good steward, to serve as a strong team member and reach as many people as possible for God’s glory and Kingdom. All good intensions and inspiration but eventually the adrenalin caught up with me and took a physical and emotional toll on me.
Adrenalin is a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla upon stimulation by the central nervous system in response to stress, as anger or fear, and acting to increase heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, and carbohydrate metabolism. Adrenalin produces what is called a, “Fight or flight” response. It triggers an emotional, mental and physical response to ramp up or run. I continued to ramp up day after day without rest and eventually it felt like I had been poisoned. I was nauseous, anxious and irritable, especially towards my family. I went from being a pretty easy-going person to a perfectionist that worked relentlessly to make every detail of my responsibilities PERFECT.
The problem is – I am not perfect; never was, and this side of heaven, never will be. I had sinned in not taking care of my health. God’s Word is filled with commands, not suggestions, about rest. My not taking time to eat was not a fast meant to seek and rely on Him and His Word; but rather a result of taking life too fast. My body responded as well as it could with adrenalin to keep me going as long as it could but eventually it made itself sick. Can any of you relate to my story… or am I the only one?
I needed to be running on the Holy Spirit, not adrenalin. I needed to be moving at, what I call, “The speed of Christ,” and not set my own pace. Of course, we need to take our responsibilities seriously and be diligent; but we all know that there are times that we take it too far. It may come as a result of wanting to be applauded or just acknowledged, it may come as a consequence of NOT being responsible and diligent for a time. It may come as the result of a root of hurt or past feelings of never being, “Good enough.” It may be a reaction to pride, fear, good intentions or even love; but God is never glorified when we work ourselves to death on our own strength. We need to, “Be still.” We need to pray and rest and read His Word and pray some more. We need to do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens us! Anything less, will be a mess!
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]