“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22
Throughout this illness, I’ve struggled with how to bless others.
Especially when I was so sick I couldn’t get out of bed, my heart would ask God how I was supposed to be a doer of His word.
Of course, He reminded me of prayer and thanksgiving.
They have been a lifeline. Praising God and lifting others up can be done no matter the circumstances.
As my health has improved, I’ve asked God to help me see new ways to bless others. What can I add to prayer and thanksgiving?
I’m not well enough to join Sunday School or attend a weekly group.
However, God isn’t interested in service “only at church”.
He wants my life to be a living out of His word daily.
God wants me to surrender my life and let Him mold, shape, and guide me and therefore I can be a blessing to others even if it’s not the ways I’ve served in the past.
So, recently I’ve made a few things.
Yesterday, God blessed me with being able to finish a pair of overalls for our granddaughter.
I also finished a hat for my mom.
I’ve been working on a small devotional.
I was hoping to give it as Christmas gifts, but I wasn’t able to finish it in time, so I’m trusting God with it.
When it’s finished, He will guide me to what He wants me to do with it.
I’m also learning to simply pour into my family.
Homeschooling is a wonderful work, and I love it.
It’s another opportunity for me to be a doer, to raise our children in the knowledge and admonition of the Lord as well as the academic subjects.
Being a constant source of encouragement, support, respect, and love to my husband has been a wonderful opportunity to be a blessing.
The responsibility of leading our family before God is enormous, and I want to do all I can to support and encourage my husband in this.
So, although I’m not living a life which others see, as long as I’m surrendering daily to the Holy Spirit and His direction, I can be a doer and not a hearer only.
Of course all of this is because of Jesus.
Without Him, I can do nothing.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for showing me that You know exactly what is best and I can be a blessing no matter how I feel. Lord, please place Your will for today in my heart and mind, that I might follow closely after You. Please keep my feet and my heart from being led astray. Lord, help me to be a blessing, that others might see Your goodness and come to a closer walk with You.
patientlyhopeful 