This week we continue to look at some of the lessons God has taught me over the years. You can read more about the first 2 lessons here and lessons 3 and 4 here. There are a total of 10 lessons that I’ll share over the next few weeks. Let’s continue by looking at lessons 5 and 6 today.
Lesson 5: Be Personally Accountable to Someone
Romans 14:12 says, “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” We are ultimately accountable to God for our lives, but we all need to have earthly friends who will ask the hard questions and walk with us through the good times and bad. Accountability is a protective measure, as well. It makes us regard our own vulnerabilities and the need for those who will walk with us through spiritual warfare. We need to be accountable to people who love us but are not impressed by us. James 5:16 tells us, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect.” Admit when you are struggling, and accept help from your sisters in Christ. Remember, “if somebody overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken” (Ecc. 4:12).
Lesson 6: Take Retreats
For me a retreat is a week at the beach to listen to the waves, think, read, and enjoy God’s presence. For you, it may be a morning at the park to enjoy God’s creation and quiet. Whether your retreat is for five minutes or five days, find time to get away with God. Our world is too fast paced for us not to take the time to retreat occasionally. Leaders must have time for rest, reflection, prayer, Scripture reading, and recreation—all without guilt. Jesus said, “‘Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest a while.’ For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat” (Mark 6:31). Perhaps you feel like that. There’s not even time for you to eat! A five minute break in a busy day to refocus or to reflect on God’s control in your busyness can give you strength to continue what God has ordained for that day. Extended times of rest and what I call “vegging out” can also further restore and renew your heart and mind so you do not get “tired of doing good” (See Gal. 6:9.)
This article is adapted from a chapter written by Chris Adams and found in Women Reaching Women: Beginning and Building a Growing Women’s Ministry compiled by Chris Adams.