Numerous Reminders

Numerous Reminders

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

In the days following her hospital stay, Cassie looked for Scripture to apply to her circumstances. Soon she had written Matthew 11:28 in her notebook: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

She noticed that in addition to the invitation to rest, the Lord reminded his followers of their dependence on one another: Love one another (see John 13:34); encourage one another (see Romans 15:2); pray for one another (see James 5:16).

Cassie was beginning to understand that humans have been created to be interdependent rather than independent. But even as she inwardly agreed, she remembered a long-ago afternoon when she had called an uncle to ask advice about a supplier. Instead of helping, he had scolded her and said if she was going to run a business, she’d have to figure out things herself. After she hung up, she determined never to ask for advice again. Now she realized that maybe she’d caught her uncle on a bad day or maybe he didn’t want to share what had taken him years to learn.

Into her mind popped the saying “Pray as if everything depends on God, and work as if everything depends on you.”

She leaned back and spoke aloud: “Okay, Lord. Please help me to work on this area. Show me ways I can be independent but still ask for help when I need it. I need your help in this and in every decision I face.”

Boy, this is new stuff, she thought. What if I make a mistake? Oh well, mistakes are nothing new. I won’t always get it right, but as long as I pray first and work hard and start inviting fresh ideas from others, I’ll have less chance to fail.

With that thought, Cassie smiled. If she could put these new ideas and truths into action, she knew her world was bound to be better for her—and for everyone around her. —SANDRA

Lord, like a toddler clamoring to dress herself, I shout, “I do it myself!”—even to you. Help me to welcome your guidance. Show me how to humbly accept your help and that of others.

Remind yourself daily to slow down. Commit a short, motivating verse to memory, like “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), and repeat it to yourself each time you feel tension building.

—MARY WHELCHEL, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF THE CHRISTIAN WORKING WOMAN