Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1
I recently did a deep cleaning of my closets because I was switching my bedroom and my office, including painting and changing up some furniture. It required emptying everything out, so I decided it was as good a time as any to declutter and organize. I found myself struggling over getting rid of shoes, of all things. I am not into shoes as some women are, but I repeatedly kept shoes that didn’t work for me and that I didn’t wear. I finally released several pair, and it was very freeing. Most of those shoes I did not choose personally, but other people offered them to me. They looked cute, and they were free, so I said yes. When they didn’t fit right, or didn’t match my wardrobe, or hurt my feet, I kept them anyway. They became a burden instead of a blessing.
I think the tasks we put on our to-do lists, especially the ones related to ministry, are a lot like those shoes. They weren’t meant for me, but I took them on anyway. Are there some shoes in your life that you need to pass on to someone else, someone they will be a blessing to and not a burden?
Doesn’t Mean It Fits You
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
1 Peter 4:10
All believers have been given at least one spiritual gift along with natural talents and skills. They are given to us to share with other believers so that we can work together in unity and support one another. Sometimes, however, people try to give us shoes that seem to fit, the right size and width, but the wrong color or heel. It fits your foot, but it doesn’t fit your style.
The same is true in our spiritual lives. People think we have certain gifts that make us perfect for a job or task, but it is not the task God has assigned. We can do the job, but it isn’t our calling. By accepting the job, we often become burdened by something that would be a blessing to the right person that the shoe fit perfectly.
Doesn’t Mean You Have to Wear It
And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21
I’m sure you have heard the phrase: If the shoe fits, wear it. I say that just because the shoe fits doesn’t mean you have to wear it. I have tried on a lot of shoes that fit, but for one reason or another I didn’t like wearing. I have several pairs of those in my closet clean out.
Just because someone offers you a job doesn’t mean that you have to accept it. No is an acceptable response. I just got a short-term job offer in my in-box that I am currently considering. I’m qualified for the position, and I’ve done previous work with the company, but I’m not sure if it is the right job for me at this moment. I can say no. The same principle applies to ministry jobs or tasks. Pray before accepting any job or task. God will lead you in how to answer. Sometimes the answer is no.
Doesn’t Mean It’s the Right Shoe
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17
God assigns each of us a ministry, but sometimes we want to do someone else’s job. When I think of shoes, I often think of Cinderella and that glass slipper. The shoe was made just for her, but her step-sisters’ kept trying to wear her shoe. Sometimes to painful consequences (especially if you read the Brothers Grimm version).
God gives us the right “shoes” for whatever task he gives us because He equips his people (Hebrews 13:21, 2 Timothy 3:17). Wearing the right shoe for the job makes work a lot easier. When you wear the wrong shoes for the job, like not wearing shoes that rub when you are doing a lot of walking, or sandals in rainy weather, or going to the back of the machine shop in flip-flops, you can end up in a world of pain. Just because your foot fits in a shoe doesn’t mean it’s the right shoe for you.
It Takes All Kinds of Shoes
And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
Exodus 18:17-18
Moses’ father-in-law gave him some good advice, something we all should remember. We can not do it all by ourselves. First, we need the help of the Holy Spirit. Second, we need the help of other Christians. We were meant to work as a unified body with all of the members doing their jobs, wearing the right shoes.
So, take a look in your closet and at your calendar of commitments. God’s burdens are light, so if your load seems too heavy, maybe you’ve taken on too much baggage. Watch the following video and see what rocks (or shoes) you need to throw out of your wagon (or closet).
For further study, check out Joanna Weaver’s book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World
There’s much wisdom in your message. Thank you! I’m not much into shoes, but I fight a constant battle with being too busy–taking on too many tasks. I’m grateful for you wise counsel on this issue. May God continue to bless you in His service.