I like to get things done. When I have deadlines that I can’t meet, it really bothers me. That’s the way it is for me at work. I have responsibilities that are assigned, but I can’t get to them because of all the other work I have to do.
Perhaps you can relate?
I could handle this much better if my job wasn’t about caring for others. In my work, a missed deadline may mean that the person doesn’t get the care they need. That really bothers me.
So what should I do? I’ve tried to solve the problem with little success. I’ve allowed myself to get upset over the problem, but that solves nothing. I’ve tried to talk to myself in such a way that alleviates my stress, but that only goes so far.
I have also prayed, and am continuing to do so.
But perhaps you will say, “But Rob, Jesus is not going to come in and do your work for you. He is not going to change your circumstances. Pray all you want, but tomorrow will be the same.”
I don’t believe that.
There is an account of Jesus that encourages me to keep praying. It goes like this:
“ On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” 4 “Woman,[a] why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” 6 Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.[b] 7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. 8 Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” 11 What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” – John 2:1-11
What Rob, do you really think that Jesus cares as much about your work load as he cared about the wedding in Cana?
I don’t know.
What Rob, are you thinking that Jesus is going to change your big pile of work into a small pile of work?
I don’t know.
What Rob, are you thinking that somehow He is going to create a new job for you where you will have less pressures?
I don’t know.
Here is what I do know. Jesus is going to do something with my prayers, and it is going to be good. I don’t know if he is going to change my circumstances but, in the midst of them, He will teach me to depend on and trust Him more. He will speak into my heart and encourage me to lay my burdens at His feet. He will remind me of what I do and don’t have control over and what is truly important. He may even say a few words to me about His power and sovereignty. Whatever He does with my prayer, it is going to be good.
But, even if he does none of those things, my prayer will do something. It will proclaim His glory and help me to deepen my faith in Him. His glory will be proclaimed with every word of my prayer, as I worship Him, the only true God, and ask Him to move in my life. And that…will be good.
It is scary when you feel like you are missing the mark and don’t know how to stay on target. I believe we just have to let go and say, “I can’t avoid this hardship. I am in your hands Lord.”
And that is really good.
My deadlines aren’t going away, and either is my commitment to Jesus.
For Jesus,
Rob