Prepared to answer the question
>> 10.18.2008
Have you ever had anyone ask you, “Is there anything I can do for you?” or “Can I help in anyway?” only to respond with “Umm, I don’t know” or “I’m not really sure”. Often, we pray asking God on how to accomplish the tasks He has put before us that we can miss His answer. Sometimes the way to accomplish certain tasks rest in the people He guides into our lives.
Yet, if you have been anything like me, I have often chosen to handle it all on my own. After all, they can’t complete the task like I can. What if they are late or if it is not to my liking? Isn’t it just easier to complete it myself? Again, this is just another way of us holding on to control. As long as we are completing the task ourselves then we think we can control the outcome.
When God gives you a big task, sometimes the only way to complete that task is through joining together with others He has committed to the vision. But you have to be willing to answer the question “What is it you want?”
In Nehemiah 2: 1-10, Nehemiah is serving King Artaxerxes as his cupbearer, when the king asks him “What is it you want?” (Nehemiah 2: 4a). Nehemiah could have said nothing and dismissed the question choosing to find another way to accomplish the task the Lord had charged him with, but he was prepared to answer the question.
He first prayed and then responded. He did not stumble or show any signs of lack of preparation. No, Nehemiah answered the king confidently and with faith. He understood that accepting the king’s help was one step in accomplishing the task.
I know that I am often at fault at not wanting to be a burden or bother others so I try to accomplish many tasks on my own; leaving me tired, often frustrated, and with other tasks that did not get completed. When my husband asks do I need help, I need to accept it more without trying to make sure that he does the work my way. Instead of being controlling, I thank God that He has sent people willing to work and help me accomplish my God given assignments. I am choosing to let go of being in control and be ready to answer the question.
Are you ready?
Yet, if you have been anything like me, I have often chosen to handle it all on my own. After all, they can’t complete the task like I can. What if they are late or if it is not to my liking? Isn’t it just easier to complete it myself? Again, this is just another way of us holding on to control. As long as we are completing the task ourselves then we think we can control the outcome.
When God gives you a big task, sometimes the only way to complete that task is through joining together with others He has committed to the vision. But you have to be willing to answer the question “What is it you want?”
In Nehemiah 2: 1-10, Nehemiah is serving King Artaxerxes as his cupbearer, when the king asks him “What is it you want?” (Nehemiah 2: 4a). Nehemiah could have said nothing and dismissed the question choosing to find another way to accomplish the task the Lord had charged him with, but he was prepared to answer the question.
He first prayed and then responded. He did not stumble or show any signs of lack of preparation. No, Nehemiah answered the king confidently and with faith. He understood that accepting the king’s help was one step in accomplishing the task.
I know that I am often at fault at not wanting to be a burden or bother others so I try to accomplish many tasks on my own; leaving me tired, often frustrated, and with other tasks that did not get completed. When my husband asks do I need help, I need to accept it more without trying to make sure that he does the work my way. Instead of being controlling, I thank God that He has sent people willing to work and help me accomplish my God given assignments. I am choosing to let go of being in control and be ready to answer the question.
Are you ready?
2 comments:
I don't know how I would answer that question. "Am I ready?" It just seems lately, I've been working at trying to catch up to my blogfriends' blogs. I'm getting there though. Boy, can I ever relate to having trouble getting others to help. I think sometimes it's because when I do, there's just such a debate that I lose my patience and do it myself. I am getting better though when folks ask me if there's anything they can do to help me. I used to not want to inconvenience them and then I thought about how much I like to help others and don't want to rob them of that blessing either.
Oh boy: Does this post ever speak to my heart! Thank you for sharing. This is an area where I really struggle.
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