Scripture: Proverb 20:18 (the Message)
Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.
Thought for the Day: Our own Susan Hanks posted this Chinese Proverb on Facebook:
People who say it cannot be done
should not interrupt those who are doing it.
We should always seek good counsel, pray often, respect the wisdom of others, but there is a point in time when we need to go ahead and act. Too often well intended people wait for the perfect moment that never comes, and then undermine and question those who have chosen to act in faith even though they could not guarantee it was perfect. Throughout its history, the church has had many members who have repeated the words, “It cannot be done.” This is an interesting phrase coming from those who follow a dead man who walked out of his own tomb. Many of those who have said, “It cannot be done” are, in fact, interrupting God who is working to assemble the needed team to bring alive tangible acts of mercy and kindness. Oh sure, we can be all together wrong or simply incorrect with our timing, but more of God’s plans are undermined by the naysayers who have nothing to add to the conversation. I always like to start with the question, “Would it be good news for the last person I saw suffering?” Again, it is not the perfect question, but it has served me pretty well.
Prayer: Let me truly listen for your voice, Gracious God, and the counsel of the wise. I will act in faith, especially when doing so clearly expresses your unmerited love and forgiveness for the least among us, the lonely and the lost. Amen.
ADVENT BEGINS
TOMORROW
