Just getting on with the job

It seems of late that I have been in receipt of a load of compliments for the bits and pieces that I have been up to. In reflection, I do not understand why these compliments are coming in now because I do not believe that I have done anything more, of late, than any other time. Maybe it is just that people are actually noticing for the first time or maybe it is me actually hearing their compliments and taking them for what they are for the first time? I am not sure, either way.

Most of the things that I do are small and fall into insignificance. They are certainly not the feats that are used as testimonies of God's power at the pulpit. They are the small things like writing a roster, wiping down a table, giving a hug to someone who needs it and sharing conversation over a hot drink.

With this spate of compliments I have had to give thought as to how to respond beyond an appreciative,"Thank You". So, tonight I have drawn myself into the Word to look for how I can better articulate what I would like to say to others in response. The passage that brings words to my lips is in Isaiah.

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

- Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)

So, if you see me 'just getting on with the job' and are pleased, appreciative or even 'shocked' at how I fit it into my busy life I have something for you to do before paying me a compliment. That thing is to thank the Lord because it is through him that my strength comes and that I may be able to reach out and give with the abundance of life-giving, fresh flowing waters that fill my cup to overflowing. When I bring good to others, know that it is not me but He who lives in me that prompts me to live out His promises.

I know that I, too, give thanks to people regularly for things that they do and I always strive to thank the Lord for them. This week I am committing myself to thanking the Lord for people who make a difference in my days. I invite you to join along with me.

If you do not know how to start then use the words contained in the Word (NIV) to get you started:

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because.. (as in Romans)

I always thank God for you because.. (as in 1 Corinthians)

Sometimes, though, we are not sure what to be thankful for because it is hard to pinpoint or encapsulate what someone has done for you or what they have done to benefit others. In this case, like me, you may find your self praying in the spirit of the words that are found in 1 Thessalonians:

We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV)

In addition to this, it will be my fervent prayer this coming week that the promises in God's Word will be fulfilled in their life as it is in Phillipians also:

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
- Phillipians 1:9-11 (ESV)

Please post a comment if you are committed to join with me in thanking the Lord for others this week so that they may be encouraged in their faith wanderings also.

With love
Proverbs Wife