Cindy Powell

“What do you want me to do, Lord?”

I don’t want you to do anything

I want you to be

I want you to be still

I want you to be still and know …

I am God

 

But what about all the needs out there?  What about being willing to take risks?  What about stepping out in faith?  What about getting out of the boat; going out on a limb?  Doesn’t faith require action?

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).  Faith in action is doing whatever I ask you to do–even if I’m simply asking you to be.  It’s only in learning to “be” that you will fully know when and what to “do.”

For many it is difficult coming to the point of being willing to do whatever he asks.  But when you have already settled that issue, often it is most difficult when he isn’t asking you to do much of anything. 

Not much of anything except …

Wait.

Trust.

Hope.

…  And be still.

Jesus only did what he saw the Father doing.  He went to those he was sent to–when he was sent.  He was clear on his mission and he didn’t hold anything  back–but he also didn’t arbitrarily immerse himself in a flurry of ministry activity just to “feel” productive. 

I definitely haven’t been feeling terribly productive or fruitful in a spiritual sense lately. It is incredibly tempting to do something–anything–to try to make something happen. Heaven knows there are so many needs.  Some of them, I could meet …

But I don’t want to be arbitrary–I want to be focused.  I don’t want to spend my energy on what is merely good–I want to spend my life on what is best.  I don’t just want to “go”–I want to be sent.  I only want to do what I know he’s asking me to do–when he’s asking me to do it. 

So I keep asking …

“What do you want me to do, Lord?” 

And I keep hearing …

I don’t want you to do anything

I want you to be

I want you to be still

I want you to be still and know …

I am God

 

What about you?  Is he still waiting for you–or are you in a place of stillness waiting for him?

“Whatever he tells you to do, do it” (John 2:5). 

Even when all he tells you to do …

Is be.