Transformational Thought
Our society has become extremely complex. We have more toys and gadgets than we can count. Technology is continually at our fingertips. Between my iPhone and MacBook Air, so portable and an amazing opportunity to engage in so many activities. My three teenager/young adult daughters swear they can easily tackle a conversation, text and watch a YouTube video on their iPhones—all at the same time! Now they say we can group message and “do” Face Time to see each other when we’re apart.
I am blessed to be a good multi-tasker myself. Very rarely am I doing just one thing at a time. Part of it is my addiction to productivity; part of it is enjoying activity. But there are times I have trouble multi-tasking. It especially affects me when I’m talking with another person who is in need, who is opening up and seeking support or advice. I become very focused on them and what they are sharing, on what I am about to say and how I can help. Sometimes I forget to listen to what God wants me to communicate to them.
The latent hero (or is it the egotist in me?) tries to take charge and “rescue” the person. I am just relying on myself but trusting in my limited abilities is so ineffective. My usefulness in vocation and ministry dramatically improved when I realized this key reality. So now, when people bare their souls to me, I know that I am standing on holy ground. I need to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to show me truth and direct my response in a God-like fashion.
Satan wants you to act on your own power, leaving God out of the equation. Your natural inclination toward independence and self-direction plays into that “leave-God-out conspiracy.” If you jump in with both feet, trying to rescue someone without first asking for God’s help and guidance, you’ll miss the mark and spoil a splendid opportunity. Your muddy footprints will pollute the holy terrain where you are standing.
Today, as you relate to people, first ask God to listen through you, think through you and love through you to use you to impact others. We want eyes that see, ears that hear and a heart that understands. These come from God to help us listen, understand and provide answers. Everyone in this world has needs and struggles. Remember that your main purpose is to direct the person toward God and His limitless resources. Whether you rely on your own feeble efforts or you allow God to work through you, it’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I know and believe that when people bare their souls to me, it is You that has sent them to me. Help me not to play the role of the hero. Instead, help me be a better instrument of Yours. I know You will fill me with Your Holy Spirit. But help me submit my will and tune my ear so that I say exactly what You desire them to hear. Help me remember that I am standing on holy ground at that very moment. This is an area in which I want and need to grow. Help me grow, Father. I pray in the name of the One who opened my ears to hear Your voice, Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:8
Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5
“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles–to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts 26:16-18
