The Very Best Thing You Can Do

Yesterday was one of those days God reminded me that I can be a minister wherever I may be. Right now that happens to be at a Christian Bookstore. A co-worker was dealing with tough questions. She had spent her lunch break helping a friend who was in need. It was difficult for her to return to work and focus on the task at hand. She kept asking “why do things have to be so hard?” This, in reference to her friend, for whom it seems everything is always difficult.

I had no words for her. I searched my mind grasping for something to offer her, but nothing felt right and it seemed one of those times when words were better left unsaid. It seemed better for her to voice her frustration than for me to try to fix things. One valuable lesson I learned after Mom’s death was that sometimes you have to give yourself permission to cry or vent. The hard part is learning to be okay with letting people see that when you are unable to retreat to the privacy of your own space.

I thought about her questions the rest of the day. They were questions I have voiced. I think they are questions we have all voiced at one time or another in our lives. If we haven’t asked on behalf of dear friends and family, we have at the very least asked about our own lives. The questions resound in my mind constantly these days on behalf of a dear friend for whom the last year has seemed a constant struggle. Like my co-worker yesterday, I wish I had the means financially to help her bear some of that burden.

I was thinking about this yesterday and it occurred to me that God has given me everything I need to best help her. If I had the means to help her financially, I could, but would she then trust me or God? This is not to say that the point of all this is for her to trust God. I don’t know the why of it? I am reminded of Job, who lamented his birth and cried out to God, essentially asking why? God never answered directly. Instead, when He speaks, He reminds Job of who He is.

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding, 5 Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it? 6 “On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone, 7 When the morning stars sang together
And all the sons of God shouted for joy

Job 38:4-7 (NASB)

Job did not need to be told why his circumstances were so dire. He needed to be reminded of the Awesomeness of God.

If my friend needed financial help from me, it would be provided. What she does need from me is to be ever in prayer. It would be a mistake for me to wish that there were something more that I could do for her when this is the very best and first thing I should ever do for her.

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Heb 4:14-16 (NASB)