You’ve told me, and I’m feeling it too. We’re restless, lonely, bored, eager for this season to be over! So, do something about it. Be smart, stay home as much as possible especially if you’re venerable, wear your mask and protect others, but also get out there and do something, even if it’s from your own home.
It doesn’t matter what is going on in your life, you are in a position to serve. Not only are you in a position, you are called to serve. We all are. It doesn’t need to be grand or even sacrificial, it just needs to be. Every second of every day, you need to be in a place to serve. That sounds a bit overwhelming with all you have going on. I know I’ve challenged you to sleep more, eat better, find a support group, memorize scripture, and even cut the fat from your schedule. Now, on top of everything I’m asking you to be ready at any given moment to jump in and serve. Well, yes.
Yep, I am. Not apologizing. Just giving it to you like it is. And perhaps it should have been the first thing I told you to do to survive this wait, but it’s the last and here we are. Deal.
Here’s why-you are strong enough. Don’t for a second think your circumstances have made it impossible for you to be of service to others. This weight you are carrying and this pain you feel make you even more equipped to serve others.
And just wait (yea I know more waiting) when you serve others you heal yourself. Take the focus of your pain and do something for someone else. And let’s take it one step further. Do something for someone you don’t like. Ohhhhh yes, you’ve heard that voice telling you to apologize or forgive or reach out. That’s the holy spirit by the way, don’t you dare ignore it. Do it. No matter how backwards it seems. No matter how right you were and wrong they are. The Lord forgave as He was being crucified. Girl, crucified! If he can do that, you can do this.
This verse in Romans is a perfect word. As our Lord calls us to be patient and continue to pray as we wait, in the next breath he calls us to serve others. There’s your answer right there. Serve.
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. - Romans 12:12-13 CSB/NIV
Don’t Wait: Discover your purpose in the service realm. How are you called? The best way to develop your gift is to just start doing. Here are a few ways you can start.
Walk up to a stranger and ask the how you can pray for them.
Tithe.
Make a meal for a friend or neighbor.
Offer to watch the children of someone who you know needs help.
Google “volunteer” in your city and be amazed at the places that need you.
Work one day a month at church.
Hold the door open for five people in a row and smile and say have a great day.
Stop and give to a homeless person. Let God decide what they do with that money, that part is not your concern.
Be the one that does the dishes even if it’s not your turn, ditto for any other chore that isn’t usually assigned to you.
Invite someone to coffee or breakfast and let them talk.
Start a text chain with a group of women who need encouraging and the be one that constantly gives praise.
