WRITTEN 6/30/22
ON THE PORCH
JUST BECAUSE I CAN
When kiddos are little, we loved watching them play. And for whatever reason, when they put our shoes on and flop around the house or wobble in our heels, we puff our chest up, proud that they want to “follow in our shoes.”
**After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him,he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.” 2 Samuel 7:1-2
David’s heart was sincere, and he wanted to build a temple for the LORD. He was ashamed that he lived in a glorious castle, and God still dwelt in the tent of the Holy of Holies.
**“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord Himself will establish a house for you: when your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 2 Samuel 7:11b-13
God detoured David’s dream. He sent word through Nathan, the prophet, that this was not a task He had created David for, no matter how bad he wanted to. God also rewarded David for waiting and promised his son would build His temple.
When Benny isn’t wearing his black slip-on shoes, he leaves them by the front door for the next use. I like them there, because they are easy to slip on and off when I “just need to run outside for a second.” They are huge on my feet, and they flop as I walk. I can wear them temporarily, but if I choose to walk in them daily, I will fall flat on my face.
I am a Martha, and Marthas, by nature, make lists, take names and numbers, and “get ‘er done.” Marthas also tend to overextend themselves and have more on their plate than necessary. We raise our hands when we should be sitting on them. Where there is a hole, we try to fill it, because that’s what we do. We take care of others and make sure everything runs like clockwork. It is in our DNA.
Marthas also have a hard time allowing others to help. The other day I heard these exact words come out of my mouth, “I work well alone.” Truth is, I do, but only because I am in control of all decisions made and I don’t have to explain myself to anyone. Sometimes working alone robs me of fellowship I would otherwise enjoy. It might also deprive a friend of a blessing.
Benny has big shoes to fill, spiritually and physically. God has given him a different calling than He gave me with lots of added responsibility. He also gifted him with different abilities than I have. I wouldn’t dare try to step into the pulpit in his stead. Crowds of people freak me out. But he is comfortable in the pulpit because that is his calling, his mission. He brings glory to God when he preaches.
“Pulpits” come in all shapes and sizes, and God gifted each of us with our own. My computer, my phone, and my pajamas are three of the tools God allows me to use to show His love to others.
Today, I feel as though God is asking me to sit on my hands for a little bit and wait on Him for my next assignment. When I say yes to things I am not supposed to, I take the opportunity away from someone who is better suited for the job. I might also be crippling them by denying them the experience needed in future missions. Just because I can take a few steps in the shoe doesn’t mean it is my size or that I am the best person to carry it out the mission. I will wait until He assigns His next task, the one He created me for.
In case you are wondering, I will not be lacking in activities while I wait, but I will be making margin for what God assigns.
LORD, help me take a step back and allow margin for Your will. You lead and I’ll follow. Give me eyes, ears, and a heart for Your vision in my life. Remind me to pray before giving an answer to things asked of me. Give me strength to do what I already have on my list. Take away the sense of obligation and allow me to only take on tasks at Your urging. Remind me that just because the shoes fit doesn’t mean it’s mine to wear. If I can play a supporting role for someone else who is filling their calling, please help me to do so. Give me the wisdom to move when You move and stay when You stay. In Your Precious and Holy name, amen.
WHEN YOU MOVE
ON THE PORCH 