Reluctant Retiree

Many times when I have an idea to do something good, I don’t have the resolve to follow through. Whether it be a lack of self-confidence or faith, I neglect to do the good thing that I want to do. Even if it is a small thing like giving a compliment that is deserved, I back away at times. Later I am ashamed and full of regret for not doing the good that I know I could have done and even wanted to do.

II Thessalonians 1:11 says, “To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.” Anytime we want to do a good work, God promises to give us the strength to do the good that we desire. All we have to do is exercise the faith to do it. So let’s trust God and see Him do good works through us and find out how the world around us will be changed.

I have learned that in order to help people who are struggling we need to gather the resources necessary for the task. Many times that requires raising funds through donations. Most of the time it means getting people with the right knowledge and experience to help. Sometimes it can mean that we need to learn some things in order to provide effective help.

I Thessalonians 5:14 says, “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” People who are struggling are all around us. We just need to open our eyes to see the needs.

Those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord have the best resources to help those who are in need. We have been given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places according to Ephesians. It is out of these rich blessings that we are called to be a blessing to others. We were not recipients of God’s blessings only to hold them unto ourselves. We must share with those who need us to help.

Yesterday, I felt particularly lonely. I don’t know why. Even though I was amongst many people and in a familiar environment, I felt like no one else was there or cared that I was by myself. I think all of us feel that way at times. We feel cut off from the people around us, although they are there and the situation is not new.

Psalm 139:8-10 says, “If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” God’s people are never alone. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Darkness cannot hide us from Him. He always sees us, and in fact, His gaze is always directed toward us. He doesn’t stop working on our behalf and for His glory. We can rest assured in His constant presence, guiding us and protecting us.

Genesis 45:8 says, “So it was not you who sent me here, but God.” Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. Remarkably, he never held a grudge against them. It was his faith in God that kept him from a revenge mindset and gave him an attitude of hope in God and grace toward his brothers. Joseph saw how God had given him favor in the midst of very bad circumstances. Joseph also had an eternal perspective in knowing that God was going to use him to save his family.

If we look to people to give us the right perspective on our circumstances, we will soon become discouraged and frustrated. People can only provide us with selfish and short term understanding of events. However, if we look to God in all circumstances, we will be given hope and joy even in the hardest struggles. No matter what you are going through, remember the words, “But God.” He will be your source of strength and a bright light of hope.

I don’t know much about cooking, but I do know when the right amount of seasoning is used according to my taste. Some foods need a bit more than others and it takes talent and experience to know how much seasoning to use. The correct amount satisfies the taste buds and the soul of the consumer. In ancient times, salt was also used as a preservative to keep food fresh, as there was no refrigeration. But it was also used to render land unusable for farming. So salt can be used for both positive benefits and negative outcomes.

Our speech also has the potential to bring positive results or harmful outcomes. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Our words can heal, but they can also hurt people. We need to learn to season our speech with grace, adapted to the needs of each listener. Then we will be encouraging and blessing each person who hears our words.