DO THE NEXT THING!

A Mini-Sermon by Sis Nora Stanley

1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. KJV

As my mother, who was recovering from a stroke, was being transferred to a rehabilitation center to be taught to walk and speak again, I was listening to the radio and following the ambulance down the highway. I was in despair - feeling overcome by circumstances because I am an only child and a widow with a small child still at home. I also had a full time job and a part time job just to make ends meet. How would I be able to care for an invalid mother? Then I heard Back to the Bible with Elisabeth Elliot on the radio talking about how overcome she felt there in a South American jungle when her husband was killed by the very Indians to whom he was trying to minister. She had a small child, many responsibilities and no earthly person on whom to lean. She felt desperate, then she remembered a phrase: Do The Next Thing.

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Eccl 9:10

When we focus only on the next thing, we will not be overcome. Our Lord is there to help us all the way. We need to just relax in Him, focus on Him and let Him take care of us. When we concentrate on Him, He gives us strength and makes a way even where there seems to be no way. Everything worked out for Mrs. Elliot, and then it all worked out for me too. He is still in control and He can take care of everything for you too.

Note: Sis Stanley has worked for years in the mission fields in China. Now resides in the US with a burning desire to continue on for the Lord. C. E. Strain

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