It’s More Than I Can Handle

Recently, I was asked to take on a new responsibility that I was not expecting.  Since my illness, life in general has been much slower than before.  Working around frequent naps, scheduled therapy and just plain fatigue, I find my productive hours are often limited to around four or five a day. 

Inwardly, my immediate reaction was just to say no.  How can I take on more when I feel that I’m barely keeping up with essential things, as it is?  But then I thought, “What if this is something the Lord wants me to do?”  So I took the quick, non-committal route and said, “Let me pray about it.” 

Why Pray?

Why pray?  Great question!  Someone once asked me, “If God is sovereign and already knows everything, what is the purpose of prayer?  Do we think our praying will change God’s mind?”  I’m sure that question was not original, but it provoked me to some serious thought.

Want To Be On Top?

“I’d rather do it myself!”  You may remember that old commercial of the young wife who was reacting to the help she was being offered by her mother in the kitchen.  Do you know the feeling?

In many areas of our lives we think we know best, and at other times we may realize that we could use some help but don’t want to look weak or ignorant.  We all enjoy appearing successful, receiving the accolades, having it all together…being on top of life.

Sympathy without Compassion

“Let your feelings be your guide!”  “If it feels right, do it!”  Dangerous counsel or words of wisdom?  For many of us who have been raised in a church environment the answer is obvious.  From our youth up, we have been repeatedly admonished:  Do the right thing and the good feelings will follow.  This may be sound guidance in most situations, but is it necessarily always good advice?