Don’t Steal My Blessing
By Joan Walker Hahn
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
I have a 1 year old granddaughter who is never still. Unless she is asleep. Other than that, she is constantly moving or climbing or doing anything except sitting still.
I feel like I’m constantly on the move. Only it’s not to play and explore a big, wide open world. It’s working a public job, taking care of household chores and fulfilling other obligations that keep me running.
Can you relate?
Many times we work ourselves into an exhausted state. We become tired, not just physically, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually worn as well. Sometimes the physical exertion is worth the spiritual blessing we receive in return.
But we can’t always be on the “serving” side. I remember once when someone was going to serve another person. The person on the receiving end, not being used to receiving, tried to refuse the service.
The person serving then stated, “God has called me to do this. Don’t steal my blessing by refusing to accept my gift.” That’s something to think about.
There was a time when Jesus sent the disciples out to the surrounding areas to preach. When they came back and reported to Jesus all that had happened, He then told them to rest.
“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.” Mark 6:30-32 NIV
Another great servant for the Lord was the Apostle Paul. He travelled widely to preach the gospel of Christ. He endured hardship and prison because of his service.
Even as he was serving the Lord, he had to accept service from others at times.
In his letter to the Philippians, he mentions his appreciation of their gift to him.
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:14-19 NIV
Notice that Paul acknowledged he was not expecting them to help, but he graciously received their help because he knew God would bless them for the gift they gave.
As women, we do have a lot of obligations that involve serving others. But there are times when we need to just rest. We need to allow God to refresh us as He calls us to a solitary place.
We need to allow others to serve us as they obey God. It may be hard and feel unnatural to our ever busy life, but we shouldn’t have to hear someone say to us, “Don’t steal my blessing.”
Heavenly Father, Thank You for giving me opportunities to serve You. But Lord, there are times when I know I need to just rest in You. Help me to make time to spend quietly with You instead of constantly being on the move. Help me to graciously receive from others who are being obedient to You. Guide me in serving You and guide me in times of receiving service. May I not keep others from receiving Your blessings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
© 2017 by Joan Walker Hahn. All rights reserved.
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