Some of us who are gifted as being “helpers” are usually ready to jump to the aid of others when there is a need – food, transportation, grocery store run, etc. Who wouldn’t do what is needed for a friend?
Sometimes when I am at “loose ends”, I may jump at something to do because I’m not sure what to do or what God wants me to do today. If someone mentions a need and I hear about it, I’m there. Even if I hear about it third-handed, I’ll jump in. Sounds good, right?
Of course, God wants us to love others, which includes helping to provide what they need. But what if God doesn’t want you to help this person or that situation? What if God has another person(s) for that purpose? If God hasn’t indicated to me in some way that He needs me to intervene, I need to stay put – however hard that is!
Have you thought about it in this way before? I know what my natural tendency is, but is this what God wants me to do? Has the Holy Spirit prompted me to take some action or quietly told me to stay still?
In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
I have a friend who has been serving some family members as God has directed her, but today, the Holy Spirit told her to let this most recent request go to someone else. Her body and mind have been going non-stop for quite a while, and in the past 2 days, she has rested. She told me today that the Holy Spirit let her know that someone else was taking care of the situation – not her.
What she said to me was this: The Holy Spirit makes me strong to do His will - what He calls me to do and gave me the gifts to use. Listen to the Holy Spirit. Don’t try to do what God hasn’t called you to do. When He needs you, He will make you strong enough to do it.
If we intervene when God hasn’t directed it, we could be “stealing” someone’s gift and joy to someone else.
Thanks for stopping by,
Rachel
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