August 19, 2014 (Tuesday)
When I was a college student, Howard E. Butt, Jr. spoke to the student body. At that time, he was a frequent speaker for Christ, and was also involved in the family grocery business.
I remember his telling us what goes on when H.E.B. opens a brand new store. He told of how the staff was trained, the shelves were stocked, the opening was advertised, and every attempt possible was made to motivate the workers to do the best job possible. When those doors opened for the first time, the customers were to be welcomed enthusiastically and the employees were to be ready to work and excited about the new task.
He went on to say that Jesus did His work differently. Just before His ascension, he commissioned His disciples to become missionaries and evangelists, but then He amended his orders to say, “Go back to Jerusalem, pray and wait.” Wait? Did He say, “Wait?” Is this any way to begin something new? Yes, by all means, yes, because He told them to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit.
So they prayed. And waited. Then, one day, suddenly, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they went throughout the city of Jerusalem, spreading the gospel. Was this a successful strategy? Well, by the end of the day, they counted 3000 converts. What do you think?
This is still God’s plan. He wants us all to know that the power to do His work comes from Him. It is not our wisdom, knowledge, or strategy that does God’s work; it is done by the power of God Himself.
So, what is He asking you to do for Him? Whatever it is, do it. But first humble yourself, confess your weakness and then do it, depending entirely upon Him to supply your every need in serving Him.