Good morning all-
Things have been very hectic here. My son broke his elbow and work has been demanding. I can't believe that a whole week has gone by and I haven't written. Well, at least I got to take some time today and share what God has been putting on my heart.
By nature, I am a very responsible person. I take my job and my family very seriously as well as family and friends. I am the 1st born of four children and from the day I could walk, I wanted to protect everyone. It's almost a hindrance because I feel responsible for everyone and now I that I'm a manager I even carry a greater amount of responsibility.
Last week was the first time I have ever had to fire someone from their job. We did it nicely by laying him off but no matter how I spin it, I took someone's income away from them. As the second in command it's my duty to see that the production of our product goes well and have the people to support the sales that we are making. Unfortunately, this person was offered many opportunities but just couldn't cope in this environment. I kept thinking that if I had more time with him I could have changed his course but after further introspection; I don't have the power to change a man's course at all.
I wish I could say that it comforts me to know that but it doesn't. The only thing that comforts me is praying for him and asking God to do a great work in his life. I prayed before the meeting on Friday and I prayed this weekend and before I got to work; I prayed one more time. I pray for lots of people but I really pray for those that are in hard circumstances. It comforts me to know that God is in control where I can't be. I want to say that this situation would have been different, that I could have made things better and then I realize that only Christ can change a man's life and that it's my job to continue to pray for myself and the people I manage. My job is to be a light unto this world and that's what I'm trying to do. If I hold Christ as the candle, then the candle will shine.
I really had to take myself out of the situation this weekend and work toward building a team that will last. Obviously, I can't do that by myself. So my prayer today is that God will lead me to be a good mentor, to have wisdom and to be a light in my personal and professional life.
I wonder if that's what happens when you're called into missions. Did the disciples get to the point where they realized they were responsible for spreading the gospel but the people had to choose to be with Christ? The Bible really doesn't go into the feelings behind the journey but just living today you can gather what they were feeling and why.
Last week taught me a couple of things. The first is that being a manager is very hard. The second, I'm not in control of anything. You would think I would already know this but as my mom would say, "it takes hitting the wall first and then you get it." I got it alright. I am in charge of the lives that God has given me but they are in charge of doing the job God called them to do.
Wherever you are today know that I can feel you. I actually have sat down three times to finish this one blog. It has been a journey this last week. I am grateful to my God who loves me and who continues to mold me as I ask Him into my life. Be a good steward of what He has given this week and praise Him for the lessons He teaches!
1 Corinthians 7:22-25 NIV:
For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord's freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
My prayer today:
O, Lord, never let us take our salvation for granted. Place upon our hearts the responsibility sent down through the ages. Give us a passion to share your mighty presence and to teach your word. You are Holy, Mighty, and Worthy. We are slaves to our cultures. We wait and test the waters before we proclaim Your mighty name. Please break those chains and give us strength of character to shout Your name from the rooftops. Many would take away the love we have for You. Enemies lurk in the corners, where they are not seen. Give us wisdom to pick them out and to laugh at them, for we all know that the only way to You is through You. Be with us today, wherever we live and give us a sense that You are beside us. We falter, we sin and yet, when we come before You, You are near. I'm sorry for not writing Lord. The last week has been full of sorrow for me but You know that and You gave me the words. I pray that the man I had to release will follow You and find His calling. Bring forth Your people and unite them this week, Lord. We need to hear from our Savior. Thank You for being near me during this difficult time and for always showing me Your way is the right way. Take care of my sisters as they proclaim You. In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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