But it's important!
I have been feeling very overwhelmed with all the demand on me lately. Especially with the extra stress of the accident and everything that has to be done in regards to that. I prayed about it and asked God to speak to me and guide me today. Here's what I read.
Acts 6:1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Now to break it down.
Acts 6: "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. "
Now waiting on tables in this case was important, valuable and a notable cause as the verse before explained...
1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
Point number 1- they recognized it was important.
Secondly - they deligated turning it over to very qualified men. Verse 3...
3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them...
Thirdly and perhaps one of the hardest - they let go and focused on the task at hand.
4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
How often do we do "important" tasks but not the right one? or How often to we try to do the right task and a couple other things as well?
As a result of their choice to deligate, let go and focus on the task at hand great things happened!
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
WOW!! I'm not sure why that surprizes me but it does. I am encouraged that I'm not the only one who gets off track and goes on tangents doing other "important" jobs whether I instigate them or I allow others to put pressure on me and give in.
The other thing that I noticed is that they were speaking life. Why would they say "and give our attention to" the task at hand if it wasn't something that perhaps some or all of them had a issue with?
Ladies hear my heart. I am learning this. I'm not there yet. But I'm speaking it into existance. I'm putting it out there and now I'm accountable. (eeek scary!)
Blessings to you as we prioritize, deligate and focus on the task at hand. Enjoy the freedom, peace and increased growth that will come with that. And remember to be thankful.
Alanne.