Originally published Thursday, 09 April 2015.
I don’t know why this phrase came to mind today but I have to believe it was an angel activated on my behalf to give me a nudge in my mind to post this. It’s a work that only could be prompted by God. “Just do the next thing…” as it came to my prayer. What would the “next thing” be Lord?”
This one encouragement came at just the right time for me. Isn’t that the way God always sends help? Just as we need it? I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with something that happened today. Praying for God’s intervention, because yes, He cares about even the little things. Honestly, I needed a reminder that I don’t have to have it all together or have to sort all the details. That’s God’s job, my opportunity is to trust Him in the situations that He brings around to draw me closer to Him.
When I think about how He loves me, He shows it in so many ways, I then understand that I can lay anything and everything before Him and simply wait for Him to lead, guide, or act in a manner worthy of Him. God's encouragement came after I asked and it was clear, direct and it causes me trust Him all the more. I wonder if Elisabeth Elliott felt the same nudge? Whether she did or not, God used her words to comfort me.
Maybe this is what you need to “do the next thing.”
Elisabeth Elliot ~ Do The Next Thing
From an old English parsonage, down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration–“DO THE NEXT THING.”Many a question, many of fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, “DO THE NEXT THING.”Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all resultings, “DO THE NEXT THING.”Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering) be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee, “DO THE NEXT THING.”
See the quietness of God in the few words of this prayer? That’s where God loves to dwell in our words back to Him. It’s a place I can trust in Him each and every time!
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