I don’t understand why they don’t come to class. They have been given everything they need but fail to access the wealth of resources given to them. Sometimes it is frustrating being a nurse who is trying to educate new parents who don’t prepare themselves for the all-important job of caring for their new baby.
Our hospital provides prenatal childbirth classes, breastfeeding classes, lactation consultants, baby care classes, car seat education, infant CPR, support groups for new moms, parenting classes, and so many other useful tools to equip new parents to be ready for every scenario they may face.
Almost every day I still have a new mom who is leaving the hospital clueless about how to install her carseat or struggling with breastfeeding but didn’t ask anyone for help. Why don’t they tap into the helpful resources?
2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that we also have been given a wealth of resources. “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life.” Living a godly life can be a difficult struggle, but it is impossible if I ignore the resources God has given to me to accomplish the task.
I am frustrated when my patients don’t show up for class. But what about me? Am I showing up to church? For prayer? For serious study in the Word? What about developing my spiritual gifts through ministry? Serving others? Am I really showing up for the Christian life?
My salvation is not based on any of these works that I do. Jesus’ payment on the cross with His blood is the only thing that could earn my redemption. I don’t show up for these things to earn my salvation, but to grow into my salvation. To prepare myself for the all-important job of being a disciple of Christ. Like new parents, disciples need guidance, support, and help.
Sometimes a patient returns to have a second baby and excitedly tells me that I was her nurse for her first baby. It is especially heartwarming to hear that she remembers how I helped her with some breastfeeding struggles or how much she learned from me about baby care.
And because she showed up—she accessed the resources given to her, she shares that she is now able to help her sister, friend, or coworker by giving them guidance in the new adventure of parenthood.
Isn’t that what discipleship is all about? Show up. Fall more in love with Jesus. Be hungry to soak in all we can about the Living God who lives in us. The Holy Spirit is the greatest gift we have been given to help us lead a godly life. As we learn from Him and add the qualities of mature faith to our lives, we can keep from being “ineffective and unproductive” in our “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ( 2 Peter 1:8). Then we are able to go help someone else do the same.
We are those resources that others need. Are you showing up? Are you preparing yourself for the all-important job of being a disciple? God has given you all that you need. Access the resources.
