Less of me, please....
"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule." Matthew 5:3 (TM)
More of God and less of me....How do I reach there? How do I become more gracious?
I watch our pastor's wife and she knows just how to serve each person in a way that gives them value. She is careful with her words, quick to help, and a good and attentive listener. She is usually smiling and always seems genuine. I love the way her eyes smile.
God honoured me with a special blessing today. Moments before I was to leave with my co-worker to go home from work, an African gentleman came into the office foyer from the sanctuary where he had been praying. "Is there someone here who could pray with me," he asked. All the pastors had left by then. So I said I would pray with him, and asked him what his need was. We sat on some chairs in the foyer and I prayed that God would reveal His will to this fellow and deepen his faith to await an answer. His eyes were bright with unshed tears when we finished praying, and he thanked me. It was obvious that such a little thing went a long way in encouraging him in his struggle. Thank You, God.
At times I feel like I'm at the end of my rope in regards to finances. It bothers me to not be able to assist my friend who is in pain and needing the comfort of a cigarette to maintain an even tempermant. It bothers me to see him depriving himself of a decent meal to make the food go farther. Up to this point, financial stressors have been seasonal since I was laid off two years ago. But now, with my monetary backup depleted, I think I'm about to learn more what it means to walk in faith - to be wholly dependant on God as Provider. That's not a bad thing. I need to trust God more, without a safety net.
God, You know exactly what is required to make me grow up. Please shape me to be the person You want me to be. Help me to know Your heart for those You've placed in my life. I need Your wisdom, too, to know when to extend mercy and when to exercise tough love. I'm a wuss, I admit it. Please enable me to do what is right and good. Often, I just don't know. I can look at things from man's perspective....and listen to all the good advice of those who care...but is this Your heart? I hope my ear will become more and more attuned to Your voice.
Not my will, Lord; but Thine be done.
