Thanks

God sends us helpers along the way in life. My uncle Greg has been one of those helpers. He and I were working on securing our floor in the basement. This entailed Greg and I jacking up the floor to get the steel jack in place. As I was jacking the floor, suddenly we heard a lot of cracking and popping. Greg was running for the stairs and his legs couldn’t keep up with his body. He was grappling to get up the steps while a sudden big boom hit and the beam I was using to lift the house split in half.

Of course, Greg thought the house was coming down. I tried to convince him it was just the beam but he wouldn’t come back down the steps. He just knew the house was coming down. Finally he came back down to help me. That Christmas he gave me a hard hat, safety glasses and a reflective vest telling me something about needing to have safety briefings before ever working with me again.

I’m thankful for Greg, I’m thankful for family. I’m thankful for work, my home, and the church. I’m thankful for Gods provision and guidance over the years. I’m thankful for people who help shape us through Godly counsel. I truly believe God often uses others to provide wisdom and influence in our lives.

In Exodus chapter 18, Moses had led the Israelites from Egypt and it was time to be reunited with his family. He sent for his father in law Jethro to bring his wife and two sons to them in the desert. Jethro brought the two boys and his daughter to Moses. They of course greet one another and Moses began to explain all the trials, plagues and miracles which happened in order for them to be free from Egypt. Jethro was happy to hear all of this. The next Moses began to judge between the people all day long telling them right from wrong. Jethro observed this happening.

After watching all day long, Jethro began to question why Moses was such an intricate part of mediating between the people and God. Moses explained how he had to teach so many people about the law and God. Jethro flat out told him it was a horrible system and he needed to delegate a hierarchy. He should only be handling complex matters. By doing this, Moses would be more equipped to do a better job for God.

This story is so inspiring because Moses is the same person who God came to in a burning bush. He had direct conversations with God and saw some of the greatest miracles mankind has ever known, yet his father in law had to teach him a chain of command. This is precisely how God helps each of us. Some of the quietest voices in our lives should be some of the greatest influences.

​Moses listened to Jethro and enacted a chain of command. After this was implemented Jethro returned to his home. Another great note is the fact that some people only come for a season in our lives to give us a little guidance and they move on.

​Proverbs 11:14 (MSG) “Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.” You are only as successful as the people you surround yourself with. God provides wisdom to many and he uses them to influence us. Don’t always be expecting to hear from a burning bush before you realize it is from the Lord.

​2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (MSG) “Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!”
           
Be willing to give wisdom to others. Also take the time to be thankful. Sometimes what others are sharing with you is exactly the missing link in your situation. Then simply be willing to say to others, Thanks.