Daily Reflections, Monday, February 4, 2008

Today's Scripture: Philippians 2:1-2

A man was struggling to move his washing machine out of his house and down a flight of stairs when a passerby offered assistance. The man was relieved, yet for the next 20 minutes, no progress was made. He threw up his hands in disgust and said, "I don’t think we’ll ever get this thing out!"

To which the second man replied, "Oh, you’re taking it out!" The whole time, they were putting all of this sweat and energy into the task at hand, only to find that they were working against each other!

Miscommunication always causes confusion and/or conflict. But when God is the One misunderstood, far worse than conflict results. When God tells us to "Cast all our cares upon him," we misinterpret the duration. Once we bring the matters of our hearts before Him once, we often become impatient and take them into our own hands yet again.

When we do so, we’re resisting the efforts of our Helper. When we ask God to help us, we must yield to His will, His methods, and His timetable.

"…Oh, what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry—every thing to God in prayer."

Determine today to join in harmony with the purpose and plan of Christ, your Partner!

Today's Quote:  Help from above is no benefit to us unless there is also commitment and readiness on our part. —John Chrysostom