Doing what is mine

"Doing what is yours to do." I heard a version of that phrase on two unrelated podcasts this week. Both groups of women came to a similar conclusion--pursing the Kingdom takes all types and not every opportunity laid before us, no matter how worthy, is necessarily ours. As the Farmer and I dream we can see so many fantastic ways we could help build the Kingdom brick-by-brick. It's tempting to try to build the roof, foundation, and paint the walls simultaneously, but we know that is a fool's errand destined for burnout or disillusionment.

This month's liturgy has us reading through first and second Samuel. David has just ascended to the throne and realized the incongruence of his living in a palace while the Ark dwells in a tent. The prophet Nathan initially blessed David's desire to build something grand but overnight quickly heard that God had someone else in mind for that specific task. While through my post-crucifixion lens I can see the promise and prophecy of Christ, David also interpreted it to mean his son Solomon. David let go of his dream and desire, stepped back into a supportive role to enable another to build the magnificent temple he would never see (1 Chronicles 22).

My 'no' can provide opportunities for others to step up, grow, and serve. I don't have to hoard acts of service. Overstuff my schedule full of godly deeds. I'm not trying to earn anything, right? This is not to neglect saying 'yes' to Kingdom work, but to make sure I'm giving the affirmative to what is mine to do. Not trying to build a temple, when I'm supposed to just pick out the wood. Then to pick out that wood wholeheartedly not second-guessing that maybe I was supposed to check out the tile too...

So how to we discern what is ours to do? Great question. A formula would be nice, wouldn't it? However, I have found the walking metaphors in Scripture a helpful guide. Walk humbly with you God (Micah 6:8) and keep in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Not trying to walk ahead of God waiting on Him to catch up. Not having God drag you behind Him as He walks. But walking at the same pace, side-by-side--turning, climbing, descending as He does. Similar to a blind person totally reliant on a friend's seeing eyes, place one foot in front of another in faith and trusting that even though our eyes don't see the whole path that God will reveal it to us as we walk in obedience (2 Corinthians 5:7). Like Abraham told to go without an end destination. Just do the next right thing confident that God "won't let you miss your own future (Emily P. Freeman)."