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Stepping Off the Hamster Wheel - Part 3: Serving with Heart, Overcoming Distractions · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

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  What if the distractions and frustrations we face in serving God are actually
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  opportunities for His greater purpose?
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  Hey everyone, welcome back to the Couples Journey blog series podcast.
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  We're on part 3 of the series, Stepping Off the Hamster Wheel.
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  Today, Ray is reflecting on the story of Martha and Mary, and how Satan can
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  use our differences to steer us away from wholeheartedly serving Christ.
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  Stay with us as we explore how God's grace guides us back to what truly matters. Here's Ray.
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  Luke 10, verses 41 to 42.
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  But the Lord answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered
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  about so many things, but only one thing is necessary.
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  For Mary has chosen the good part which shall not be taken away from her.
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  Although we're all familiar with the story of Martha and Mary,
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  every time it comes to mind, we
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  can still glean valuable lessons that are applicable to our lives today.
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  Yes, we see different intentions of the sisters, but those motives were rooted
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  in their sincere love for Jesus Christ.
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  Their disagreement is actually a great reminder for us How Satan can use our
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  differences to tempt us and distract us from wholeheartedly serving Christ,
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  from false assumptions to laziness.
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  Satan can plant thoughts in our minds that influence how we view our spouse
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  or others, especially in our service to God.
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  Annie and I have also experienced this. We have shared and accepted different
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  skills and gifts that God blessed us with.
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  It took us a while to understand and embrace unity despite our differences.
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  We both genuinely desire to serve and do our best for God.
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  But frustration happens when things don't go as planned.
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  Only by God's grace are we able to bounce back and have honest conversations
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  and keep moving forward, especially when Satan tries to tempt us or discourage us.
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  Learning this rhythm and improving our responses took time. And it's a challenge
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  we face even more when dealing with others.
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  A few years ago, we had the opportunity to host an event.
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  As designated lead contact, we were excited to serve God and support fellow missionaries.
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  But the pressures to gather volunteers and organize everything wasn't easy.
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  And Satan definitely didn't like that.
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  I saw how some team members dedicated themselves, going beyond what was expected,
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  while others maintained boundaries and focused on their tasks.
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  During that time, Annie and I felt Martha's frustration and anxiety rising.
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  My facial expression probably gave away my inner tensions, which is an area I still need to work on.
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  That experience opened many lessons for both of us.
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  By God's grace and those dedication, the event was a success.
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  And it taught us a lot about what to do differently next time.
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  Serving Jesus isn't easy. It requires patience, perseverance,
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  and the help of the Holy Spirit.
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  And working with people who have different perceptions of doing quality service
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  before God can be easily challenging.
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  Sometimes, even showing on our faces, Annie and I have learned to value every
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  detail of our work when we anchor our service to God.
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  He is our CEO, our boss, whom we offer every effort, skills.
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  Talent, and trust it to us in everything we do.
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  We keep our focus on Colossians 3, verses 23 to 24.
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  Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord, not for men,
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  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.
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  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
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  For this week's theme, let's reflect in the areas where God has helped us grow,
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  how He shifted our perception from serving out of obligation to offering our best for Him.
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  At the same time, let's prayerfully identify areas where we still need improvement.
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  May the biblical truths we're learning encourage us to make necessary changes
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  so that our service is no longer driven by busyness, but is pleasing to God.
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  Before we close, we want to invite you to engage with us and support the Couples
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  Journey blog series podcast.
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  By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your family and friends.
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  You're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
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  Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
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  Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can make a difference.
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  Here's the final part of today's episode.
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  Thank you for joining Ray as we examine how our service to God can be hindered
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  by worries or distractions, and how His grace helps us stay focused on what's most important.
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  Remember, serving Jesus requires patience and perseverance, but it's all worth
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  it when we do our best for Him.
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  Be sure to tune in tomorrow as Annie's turn to share her insights in this week's
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  series. Until then, trust in his guidance and keep your eyes on what really matters.