When It Is For Him

Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Colossians 3:23 (Amplified Bible)

While this passage refers to work ethics at places of employment, it took on new significance to me as I pondered some actions God was calling me to take. It followed a time of asking God how I was to go about doing the very things He was instructing me to do. None of those things came naturally for me. None would come from my own personal desire and ambition. I have found when God gives me a command that requires super natural ability, the super natural ability will come from Him….just as soon as I become receptive and willing.

So what is it that God is wanting me to do? Walk in love toward an individual who seems to want nothing to do with me. A person I see often but whose actions and demeanor make me feel unwanted and unwelcome. To stop allowing my perceptions to rule me. To allow Him to change the way I “deal” with negative feelings and emotions. To trust in Him and His goodness. To live outside my own box of perceived needs and necessities.

Each of these and more are possible as I depend upon God for the ability and as I realize I am doing them for Him. What I can’t or won’t do for myself or for another individual can be done for God whole heartedly. When He is the One I am seeking to please and delight, my heart attitude is corrected and the actions follow.

In Psalm 32:8, God promises to guide and instruct me. When I become willing to do something for Him, it opens the door to that guidance and instruction. As soon as my heart is bent toward Him, I have no trouble discerning what I need to start doing and how to do it. I also have no trouble knowing He will supply the ability in accordance to a fresh desire to obey Him. Whether it is in the area of forgiveness, trust, or love, I can anticipate His support and assistance through out the task at hand.

Behind each command that I am hesitant to follow, I must tune my ears to hear Him say, “Will you do it for Me?” Somehow, that question gives me a whole new perspective and desire. The sense of excitement lets me know He has special things in mind as I carry out His wishes. He has begun to replace hesitancy, fear, and unwillingness, with an enthusiastic readiness to begin to implement His plan of action. I can’t wait to see what comes of this!

Father, thank you for making this about You! Amen.

You're Still God - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvclzwpAMxg

He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food. Job 36:16