Doing 1 Thing Well... Just One.

Last night, a friend after church reminded me... walk in confidence. I had to laugh inside, for to my knowledge, he's not following Bring Me 70. Or if he is, he hasn't mentioned it. The conversation, though brief, was the result of a day that went downhill from the beginning... just hours after I posted yesterday's prayer, about placing our confidence in God.

True to his character, the enemy of our souls arose to test my resolve on this matter. And proceeded throughout the day.

Meanwhile, in my efforts to not get too frustrated with myself, I was reminded of the words of the Chief of Staff, from my favorite political-drama television show. During an event a problem occurs, one that was entirely avoidable. The event of all things, a prayer breakfast. In his frustration with the staff, on the simplicity of a breakfast and how someone creates a problem by the time it's over, Leo makes this classic statement:

"The year is one week old. The legislative session hasn't begun and we can't put a forkful of waffles in our mouth without coughing up the ball." - Leo McGarry, The West Wing

It's one thing to have a problem on your hands when there are so many other things going on.
It's another thing to have a problem on your hands, singular in nature, that in very short time, begins to take over... to the point that it consumes your day. Your thoughts. Your emotions. Your outlook. Taken far enough, you'll change your attitude. Let that go unchecked for a prolonged period of time, and you just might discover that your belief system has  been altered.

It's an easy enough trap to fall into. Especially after a couple more troubling and stressful days like these, which haven't been split-heading stressful, so much as they have been "I don't believe it" preventable.

So... the solution? Well, how about the advice of my dear friend. We all make mistakes. You just have to remember that whatever we do, we don't do it to remain in the good graces of the employer. We do it out off love and appreciation to the Lord.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters," - Colossians 3.23

While the problems, whether they be the result of someone else' doing, or by our own hands, they don't spell the end of the world. The whole world, nor your world. The response of same may make it seem the end is near, but God is not caught be surprise. EVER.

Pray, this #deaconThursday, for the problems and challenges facing church leaders and administrators. Pray the stress and anxiety that comes from figuring out solutions will not gain a foothold, in anyone's life, nor their mind. Even in ministry, may there be the daily reminder that the work they do is for the Lord. Pray the stress and frustration would not take control, over their mind or their attitude. Where grace abounds, there, may GOD much more abound.

May we continue, once again, to walk in the confidence of God. He holds the whole world in His hands. He holds your world in His hands. Regardless of who is to be blamed, He is worthy to be praised... even when we do cough up the ball.

- PNC

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