Work With What You Have - Oct. 23, 2009
Posted in Inspirations
Have you ever wanted to do something but thought you lacked the tools? Happens to me all the time. I see a project I want to attempt, but then I realize I don’t have exactly the right tools to do the job perfectly as described by the instructions, and since we’re basically poor, I usually can’t purchase the missing items. The idea then gets abandoned, and I move on to something else. Now, abandoning the inconsequential I-just-want-do-this-‘cause-it-looks-like-fun project is probably the best choice anyway, but what about the God-wants-me-to-do-this project? You know the ones I mean. The Bible study God wants you to host, but you won’t because you can’t afford a bigger coffee pot, or your table’s too small. Or the church construction project that needs extra hands, but you just don’t own the “right” tools so you don’t get involved. Or the homeless people we all should be helping, but the budget is so tight that we just don’t feel we have the money. It’s so much easier to let these obstacles stop us instead of having to spend the time and energy finding a solution. I should know. I do it all the time. “There’s no time on our already packed schedule to volunteer for this, and no money to give for that,” I think as I peruse the church bulletin. By the time I’m done, I’ve this’d and that’d myself out of doing anything productive! However, I came across a very interesting story in the Bible this week that helped me put things in a little better perspective.
1As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"
3"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
6Having said this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man's eyes. 7"Go," he told him, "wash in the Pool of Siloam" (this word means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (John 9:1-7)
While this is a wonderful and touching story of how Jesus heals us from our blindness, there’s a part here that I overlooked very time I’ve read the story. I think I overlooked it because it kind of grosses me out. Jesus spit in the dirt, made a little mud, and put it on the man’s eyes. Yes, there a small, girlie part of me that can’t help but say, “Ew!” However, that reaction had me missing a very important part of the story. Jesus worked with what he had on hand. He didn’t look at the man and say, “Hang on while I get my degree in ophthalmology.” He didn’t create an elaborate plan and make endless lists of things he couldn’t get anyway. No, he worked with what was available. He made things happen with what he had on hand. Let’s face it. That’s what he always did. His preaching wasn’t hindered because his outfit might not look good on the internet, or he didn’t have just the right graphics for his PowerPoint. He preached on the side of a mountain and made miracles out of mud.
I think we spend too much time worrying about having just the “right” tools before we’re willing to do what he’s called us to do. Even a tight budget can purchase a single can of vegetables for the food pantry or maybe even a couple of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches handed to the homeless people who have been reduced to begging on the street corner. And God already gave you the most useful tools you will ever need: your hands. As for that Bible study, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised that God will only send the number of people that your space and your coffee pot can handle. So, what has he called you to do that you’ve avoided because you don’t think you’re equipped enough?
Thanks for stopping by.
Betty
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
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Comments
Oct. 24, 2009 - Hi
Posted by Lori
I haven't been blogging for a while, but it was fun to see your post, and to enjoy your new look on your blog (probably old hat for you, now).
Thanks for your post--I am overwhelmed especially tonight, and feel like I will never finish anything!!!!!! Must use what I have.
Warmly,
Lori
Oct. 26, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by proverbsmama
Very insightful post, Betty! Thanks for sharing with us.
