…ye have not, because ye ask not. James 4:2 (KJV)
Someone has owed me money for a while, and I have been in a quandary about what I should do. This person is a sweet friend, and I didn’t want to offend or to damage our relationship. I prayed that God would remind him of his debt so that I wouldn’t have to. I imagined various creative ways I could approach the issue.
Days passed, and God didn’t seem to be interested in jogging the memory of my friend. Finally, I bit the bullet and sent a “gentle reminder” hoping my I-phone wouldn’t explode when the response arrived. How foolish. In milliseconds, the answer was in my hand, and the next morning the payment was at my door. My friend has just forgotten.
I’m sure you’ve heard the old adage: God will do what we cannot, but he won’t do what we can. I wonder how many times I (and you) have waited for God to intervene in a situation when he wants us to use our common sense and move forward. Most of the concerns that niggle at us are not complicated, but we let them build up until they become mountains. Mountains that we’ve constructed with our own imaginations and assumptions.
While common sense seems not to be too common nowadays, God has given us an intellect that he expects us to use for his glory and our well-being. I’m still in a sense of awe that something I dreaded worked out so smoothly. I didn’t lose a friend. He wasn’t offended, and I am learning that it’s essential that I participate in God’s answers as much as I can.
What about you?
Father, strengthen me when I’m reticent to speak out in a matter just because it concerns my personal business. Remind me that in reaching out, opportunities for honest communication are provided. Thank you for your patience. AMEN.
agodforeveryday 