EVERYTHING WORTH DOING . . .

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV©1984)

Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (22 September 1694 – 24 March 1773) said, "Whatever is worth doing at all, is worth doing well."

Many of us are aware of the extreme physical exhaustion after a day of working in God’s fields. We must rest and prepare ourselves for the next day. Some people feel guilty for taking time to replenish the earthly body, even though Jesus withdrew from the crowds to pray. "Doing" has at least four parts: 1. preparation for the task; 2. completion of the task; 3 evaluation of the task; 4. rest and refresh in preparation for the next stage or the next task.

To my mind, the most important step in the four-point model, is preparation. There are needs all around us and those needs continue to grow. We have to accept the fact that we cannot do it all, just because it is worth doing. Be prayerful in your choice of service/mission projects. That is very important to your ability to do it well.

I am reminded of the woman who touched Jesus’ garment and he was aware of her touch. Good works take great energy. And, it is not our energy that will carry us through. It is the mighty strength of the Lord God. Work that is done to glorify God, and not self, will be supported by the strong, majestic wings of His angels. You are never asked to carry the task alone. Turn it over to Jesus and he will bear your burdens to the Glory of God the Father. Let us:

"Heavenly Father, creator of Life Energy, we bow before all that you are. We cannot even describe your all-in-all for you are greater than our minds can grasp. We ask that you clearly define the work of our hands with a clear calling to your cause, so that our energy is used to glorify you. We humbly recognize that we are not called to do it all but to do what we do so that others may see you. May our presence fade from sight, so all that is visible is the vision of the Lord God of Glory and Love. Forgive us when we try to do it on our own. Our own efforts are very small. Our strength must come from you. If it comes from us, we will sink in the pounding waves around us. It is during the storm that we see your strength. In the name of Jesus, your son, the one who walks with us, we pray. Amen"
Doris
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp