Christian Living

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So, I’ve been rationalizing additional ways that I could give back to my community. In doing so, you have to first determine what area you would be beneficial in; everyone is not beneficial in all things. Then, you’d have to find something within that specification that would fit the restraints on your life; family, work, church and all the other things that frame your daily schedule (you must have BALANCE in your life no matter what you’re doing; if you don’t, you will be a benefit to NO ONE, including yourself). Last, after you’ve put an axe to the list, you should choose the one you’re most passionate about. Reason being, there will probably be numerous things that you’re valuable at; however, if you follow your passion, you’ll be most likely to commit to your charity.

Now, in looking at what I’d commit to doing and finding the time to do it, I became a little discouraged. I thought to myself, “Keisha, if you take on anything else, for anyone else, your children will probably disown you.” However, I was restless with the decision of not giving back, and worried about things I shouldn’t be worried about. Besides, doesn’t His word say, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” Matthew 6:33-34. Then, it happened…I received my confirmation from Him.

I teach Children’s Church at my church on Sunday’s, and the lesson for the upcoming week was found in the book of Nehemiah. I’m sure some of you know the story of Nehemiah like the back of your hand, but I assume nothing, so for those who don’t, I’ll summarize it. Nehemiah was a helper of the world’s mightiest ruler of that time; King Artaxerxes. One day, Nehemiah was sad and the king noticed the distressed look on his face. Nehemiah informed the king that he was sad because the city of Jerusalem, where he was from, had been destroyed, and he’d like permission to go there and rebuild it. The king agreed; however, his mission would still not be an easy one. You can imagine the grief and hatred that he received from those in Jerusalem that didn’t want to see him succeed, and you bet-your-bottom-dollar that they did everything possible to stop him (sound familiar). Long story short, they finished re-building, and the city was safe because he put guards in place to protect it. Despite the obstacles that stood in his way, and possibly, his own doubt on how he would accomplish the task, he remained focused and obedient, and finished the job God charged him to do.

Now that I know what I am going to do, I’ll charge you with this…let no one, or nothing stand in your way of accomplishing the tasks that God has placed before you. He only gives us what He knows we can handle, so don’t ever question your abilities; doing so gives all of your HATERS pure gratification. Believe me when I say, there are plenty of people out there waiting for you to fail; and what’s more surprising than that, they are closer to you than what you think.

In closing, I’ll leave you with this. Seek God in order to discover the Nehemiah in you. Then, determine what you need to do in order to be a benefit to someone else. Once you have done that, allow Him to use you as a blessing to others, and prepare to live an abundant life.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all you heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23

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