Your Help

Proverbs 25:13-15 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. 14 A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. 15 Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.
 
I had invited someone to help me with a project at my home. The plan was to finish the work then have some time for a little recreation and maybe a snack with my friend. I wanted to reward him for his help.  
   But he didn’t come. I talked to him later. He said it hadn’t worked out as he had thought it would. He wondered if he could come later. But I had completed the work and no longer needed him. I was disappointed he had not lived into his commitment. I missed his help and most of all, I missed the lost time with him. Apparently he didn’t value me or the opportunity for us to be together. It was easy to judge and even condemn him.
   But then I thought, “Have I ever done that to God? What do I do when God asks me to serve him in some way I hadn’t planned?” And I wondered, “What do I do when a neighbor wants me to help him?” Surely I’ve responded to both God and my neighbor with, “Not now. I’m busy.”
   How do we avoid being empty clouds and wind that bring no rain? It’s easy to say, “When God invites, go. Don’t disappoint the LORD God. He’s said, ‘Come!’ So get going. He’ll find someone else. And you’ll miss out on his treats.” But it’s not so easy to do is it?
   Hearing God’s invitation, “Come, follow me.” is a critical moment in our earthly life. To say, “No.” you are rebelling against God. But in our hearts, we may feel it’s a better choice than giving up our current life to do something that makes us uncertain, uncomfortable and even afraid. We know how God promises blessings to those who follow him; yet, we find those blessings obscure when placed against the realities in our lives right now. It is easy to say to God, “It didn’t work out this time. Maybe later.”
   God knows our hearts are often reluctant to join him. It is our nature to say, “Later.” That’s why he has a person to help us say, “Yes, LORD. I’m coming now.” He’s the Holy Spirit. The third person of the Trinity is in the world and in you if you are a Christian. He is with us to empower you to faithful living.
   You will find him in prayer and in God’s Word. He will be an encouraging voice from a Christian friend or someone you’ve never met. He will use the preaching and teaching of his Word to open your ears and heart to listen, so you can joyfully join God wherever he calls you to be with him.
   Jesus knew his apostles would be very afraid to begin the ministry he commanded them to do throughout the world. That’s why he sent the Spirit to them. Jesus left the world, so the Spirit could come. That’s why the Spirit is with you today. Recognize you have the power of the Holy God at your disposal. Be at rest and in peace the Spirit will lead you on your journey to experience the joy of joining with God. Life with God is the best treat of all.