June 10 Have an Ice Cream

June 10, 2010
Read Proverbs 23 – 25

Prov 25:14 People who promise things that they never give are like clouds and wind that bring no rain. (TEV)

I HAD invited someone over to help me with a project. I planned on getting the work done, then having some time for a little recreation and maybe an ice cream treat. I wanted to reward the one who came to help.

But he never came. I talked to him later, and he had said it hadn’t worked out as he thought. He wondered if he could come later. I said I’d completed the work and no longer needed him.

It was easy to judge and even condemn the person. But then I thought, “Have I ever done that to God?” What do I do when he asks me to perhaps go on a mission trip, or I get a call to help a neighbor in need? Do I think, “Not now. Something’s come up. Maybe next time.”

I think we all do that, don’t we? We want God to adjust his work to our schedule. But when you have those thoughts, it’s God’s Spirit inviting you to join him. He wants you to work with him, and he wants to bless you, reward you—“have an ice cream”—for your work.

When he invites, go. Don’t disappoint him. Or he’ll find someone else. And you’ll miss out on his blessing.