Melissa Small supports her husband, Rusty, in his ministry as a pastor at Liberty Baptist Church while raising her 2 boys, James and Thomas. She also serves as the women’s ministry leader and on the worship team at her church. She has a passion for women growing deeper in their knowledge of God’s Word and fostering a supportive Christian community among women. A doctorate in Education and Christian Leadership aids in accomplishing these goals through teaching, mentoring, and Bible study.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
I’ve been here before. I know I have. I was standing over my bed working through a big, tangled mess of jewelry trying to separate each piece in frustration and impatience. I finally reached the point that it was worth taking the time to untangle each piece because I could no longer use any of the pieces in the mess they had become. I had a lot of pieces I enjoyed wearing. But in the mess, they served no purpose. As I was thinking about the reward of untangling each piece, it hit me. I have already been here before untangling this exact same mess. And for what reason? It took more time to place the necklaces gently on each hook reserved for them. And so, inevitably as the necklaces were dropped one after the other in a mound on my dresser, the same phenomenon took place.
Why did I think the same thing wouldn’t happen again? I wasn’t thinking about the bigger picture, but how tired I was when the day ended. I was thinking about where I had to be next. It’s just one necklace, I can fix it tomorrow. But I didn’t. And suddenly, I had no jewelry to wear. I had to go without until I would sit and undo the mess that had been left in a heap for later. The beautiful pieces I had been given to display were so warped and difficult to make out, they were basically useless.
I have felt this way spiritually before, too. I have put aside consistent spiritual disciplines because life felt too busy at the time. Graciously, God has convicted me and encouraged me to be disciplined over the years. Put in the time. Create the schedule. Find the accountability. It is worth making small investments along the way to make progress rather than getting into a tangled mess. This year, for me that discipline and accountability was to join a group of 70 women to commit to read the entire Bible by the end of the year. We are committing to spend a little time each day together, allowing God to speak to our hearts, to untangle our lives a little more each day with daily truth that pierces our hearts. We are investing in truth to have more clarity and less mess. God is faithful. His Word does not return void and studying with others brings encouragement along with accountability. What spiritual discipline can you add to your life this year to maintain an open door to order and consistency with God? Who can you ask to join you to create accountability and community? God is faithful and you are not alone! Ask someone to join in your spiritual discipline and daily walk.
