Have you ever tried to fix something broken and ended up with more problems than when you started? After taking something apart, then putting it back together, exactly, do you have extra parts? Have you ever looked at a problem and said, "piece of cake, I'll fix it," and ended up spending twice as much when a professional ends up repairing your mistake? If so, welcome to my world. Where simple projects can be turned into huge repair bills, and simple projects turned into weekends of turmoil, all because of my help. Add in the pride damage and many times you would have been smarter just to throw the thing out and start over. Which looking back, just adds to the pain, and the legacy.
I have changed oil at night before a trip, only to watch the floor get lubricated because I can't find the drain plug, I thought I had replaced. Lost keys-I found them right where I left them-like, duh? Remember the last time you trimmed the hedges, and cut the cord on the trimmer. Cool sparks. But having a half trimmed hedge only advertised to the neighbors your lack of skills. Which is still cheaper than replacing the tip of your finger, or falling off the ladder you were too lazy to move. And I have even watched a woman turn blue when visiting her in the hospital, saddened that she may die in front of me. Only to save her life, when she grabbed me and told me I was standing on her oxygen line. No wonder the alarms were going off!
It seems there is no end to what I/we can do when placed in a situation to help. No amount of destruction can be ruled out when tools are placed by me, and be warned now-evacuate if I pick them up. For you see, as I get older, I not only find I know less than I think, but I am able to do less than my ego tells me. "Lead by example," I was told. My answer-"don't watch!" An accident waiting to happen, a precursor of an ER visit, and a legacy of I told you so's! So I have finally learned, let someone else do it. Paying one time is much cheaper than paying for it twice. And also saves time. And although the wallet damage may be more than I expected, the damage not done to the ego and pride is more than compensating. And where better to hide evidence of me being there, if someone else does it? Maybe there is a lesson in this. God are trying to tell me something?
I seem to be on everyone's donation list of late. More people it seems are getting called of God to go out and minister. If only, they raise the funds! Maybe He doesn't know about the recession going on. No money doesn't mean no ministry. Although many interpret that as such. I have even gotten letters that if you don't give, I can't go, and that would upset God. Remember that guy Roberts who begged for money or God would call him home to heaven? He preached faith, but rather have money than heaven. Take me home Lord, I'm ready. Don't let money interfere with your desire to bless me. And I watch as those involved in ministry become a slave to those who do supply the needed money. And I cannot find it in scripture where we are supposed to become a slave to others. Especially when money is involved. When God called me into ministry, He promised me manna in my garage. Manna in my refrigerator, and manna for my mortgage. Not convinced about that, I talked to some elder types, and those in ministry. Their advice-send out letters to raise funds. So I prayed again, and once again God told me-"He would take care of my needs." What He wanted from me was obedience. Maybe raising funds would have been easier.
But then He assured me that He would meet my needs, and not to ask. He had already budgeted for them. "If you ask for it, it isn't a gift. And I like to give good gifts." And when you find Jesus' instructions to His disciples, He told them only take what you have on you, no extra money or food, and He would provide. No book sales, no bake sales, and no laying the burden on others or your church. If He calls, He will provide. Only by helping will you hinder His plans. So I haven't and He has been faithful. Which upset the head of a larger ministry having a fundraiser. I asked him where was the scripture for fund raising, and he glared at me. When I told Him my testimony, he walked away. At the very least, lousy etiquette when asking for money.
Where God guides He provides. He doesn't need your help. He has never asked for mine, probably because He knows me so well. But He also has allowed me to be a blessing in ways I never would have asked for or imagined. That's scriptural. And that's God. So don't let money get between you and God's blessings.
You may have a rich uncle who can help, but it doesn't compare to a rich and loving Father, who makes all of His resources available to you. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And without Him I can do nothing. And you will never see the righteous begging or their children going hungry. Manna He calls it. Love is what I prefer to know it as. And it has a name-Jesus. So it's personal.
Talk with your heavenly Dad today. Better yet, listen to your heavenly Father. Be a blessing instead of a liability. Be a debtor to no man, and watch as God supplies all your needs according to His riches and glory, in Jesus Christ. If God calls, He also will provide all your needs.
Now if I can just remember that the next time the plumbing leaks. Or I offer to fix something I shouldn't. Self inflicted wounds hurt the most. Trust God. Self inflicted blessings are much better, but still no comparison to what God has planned for us.
And that leaves more time to go riding. Now that's a blessing!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com