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Recently, my pastor said he needed to talk with me. We talked within view of his wife (one of my dearest friends) and he asked if I would be willing to do something for him. He explained what it was and the reason he was asking, then told me to take the time I needed to think and pray about it. The truth is, I knew what my answer would be before he even asked.
How could I say yes before I even knew the request?
Because I trust my pastor more than I trust myself. Don’t get me wrong. He isn’t perfect. In fact, he’s quite honest about his weaknesses. Of course, his humility makes his weaknesses anything but. When my pastor asked me to do something for him, I knew he would have:
Prayed about it. He would have sought the Lord fervently before ever bringing it to my attention. I knew he would have asked his wife to pray as well.
Determined it was necessary. My pastor asked me to do something that he wouldn’t have had it not been important.
Considered my needs. Had he thought it would be detrimental to me or my family, he wouldn’t have asked.
I also knew that he would leave the decision to me. He would never insist that I do something, even if it was the right thing to do.
The whole discussion in which I agreed to help my pastor without a second thought didn’t surprise me. What surprised me is realizing that I don’t have the same no-reservations agreement to doing things for my Lord and Savior. Yet:
The Holy Spirit would never ask me to do anything outside the Father’s will.
He would never ask me to do something if it weren’t necessary.
He would never ask me to do something that He couldn’t use for my good.
And He would always leave the decision to me.
From now on, when the Holy Spirit seeks to have a conversation with me, my answer–to the best of my ability–will be yes.
But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:5-6)
How about you? Are there people you would do anything for, but are there things you’ve been reluctant to do for God?
Wow, this is powerful, Melanie. I love that third one especially. I was thinking of another one too as i was reading your post: He would never ask me to do anything He wasn’t planning on equipping me to do. That’s often my drawback – I think I can’t do it or I don’t have the skills or someone else could do it so much better. But He has His reasons for asking me. And He knows best!
AMEN, Barb. Why do we struggle with that one so much? You definitely have been equipped to do what He’s called you to do. Looking so forward to reading your ministry post! Don’t you love CommentLuv?
What a way to look at it, Melanie! This puts things in perspective.
I especially like that God doesn’t put a guilt trip on you, either. He always leaves the decision up to us. Whenever I feel guilty about not doing something, I know that’s not from God.
Blessings,
Daphne
That’s such a good reminder, Daphne. I need to pay more attention to that guilt feeling! Unless, of course, I’m really doing wrong. 🙂
Wonderful question Melanie girl and good comparison! Come Holy Spirit, come! ~ Blessings out, Amy 🙂
Amy, you’re so kind to comment when you must be wiped out! Can’t wait to read all about your trip.
You must have thought I was nuts when we talked yesterday and I simply said, I really liked your last post. 🙂 I keep subscribed posts in my inbox until I have a chance to read them, and I must have read an older one.
When I read this to Rev, he simply lowered his head and said, “I hardly know what to say.” I told him, “That’s why we love you.”
Once again dear friend you have blessed us and loved us with your words. And I too want to love and listen to the Lord without reservation, and with total trust. So thankful for you and the way to share His heart.
So glad it was a blessing. I was thinking today that Christians should try being like Jim Carrey in Liar, Liar only we should see what happens when we say yes to the Lord every single time. Wouldn’t THAT be interesting??