DON’T MISS THE BLESSING
Carla Webster
Today’s Scripture: “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.” John 12:26, ESV
Theme: Obey the Holy Spirit when He nudges you to serve.
IT STARTED WITH OBEDIENCE
Early on in my Christian walk, I was serving with my Life Group out of obedience. We were hosting a Life Group and decided to invite widows and elderly women to join our group, because we felt they needed to be connected. My friends and I began organically looking after these elderly women. The years passed and over time, this special Life Group came to an end. Occasionally, I would get calls and requests for assistance from one lady in particular. For the sake of privacy, we will call her Kate. I felt a quiet, soft whisper from God telling me to go and serve this lady, so I served.
THIS ISN’T WHAT GOD WANTS ME TO DO... IS IT?
The seasons changed and the years passed, and as my friend grew older, her health began to fail. I found myself trying to walk away from helping her; I found myself making excuses and talking to God about all the reasons why I couldn’t do this anymore. “I’m not qualified, I’m too emotional, I don’t have time, and God, You know I don’t have the energy.” The more I tried to talk myself out of helping my elderly friend, the louder I heard God speak to me. Most of the time, He would speak to me in a soft, subtle way that would seep in and weave its way through my day. Other times, God’s voice would seem almost audible where He would say, “You are right where you need to be; your work here is not completed; you will continue to serve this woman as long as it takes.” So I served.
THE BLESSING
Then came the day that I will never forget. My friend was having a tough day, and nobody was available to help her. I rushed to get to her as quickly as I could. Upon my arrival, she began to cry, and then I began to cry, and then through the tears we both made eye contact and began to laugh hysterically. This is the part that brings me to tears even now, as I recall this special God-moment. She grabbed onto me tightly and looked at me with her frail, sad eyes and said, “Carla why are you here, why are you doing this?” I looked up at her and said, “Kate, God calls us to love and care for one another and that’s what I’m doing.” The room was quiet and still. At that time, I felt the blessing that God had for me, and it is because of that precious moment that I continue to serve.
Make It Personal: Had I not been obedient and listened to the Holy Spirit when He nudged me, I could have missed out on one of the most beautiful blessings of my life. You can go throughout your entire life and not experience anything really special at all, or you can listen when God speaks to you or directs you to move. It might not always be easy, but you can get off the sidelines. You will be blessed more than you will ever know. When we are serving God in any way, we are in His presence and there is no better place to be. What small step can you take today to be obedient to God’s call over your life? Don’t miss the blessing that He has for you!
Pray: Lord, I give You praise, honor, and glory for every blessing in my life. Thank You for giving me the Holy Spirit to help guide me toward what You want for my life. I pray that You will open my eyes to the hurting and spur me to action in the Name of Jesus. God, when I am feeling weak, broken, or unworthy, remind me that I am a child of God, made in Your image to glorify Your Name. I pray that I don’t miss the blessings You have for me. Amen
Read: 2 John 1:6; 1 John 3:24; James 1:27; Psalm 37:4
Weekly Memory Verse: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3, ESV