I love how Charles Spurgeon speaks to me in real, personal ways even though we live so many years apart. This little word from Morning and Evening really hits home with where I am in life at the moment.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.” Eccles. 9:10
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do,” refers to works that are possible. There are many things which our heart findeth to do which we never shall do. It is well it is in our heart; but if we would be eminently useful, we must not be content with forming schemes in our heart, and talking of them; we must practically carry out “whatsoever our hand findeth to do.” One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories. Let us not wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of work, but do just the things we “find to do” day by day. We have no other time in which to live. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but time present. Then do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity before you attempt to serve God. Endeavour now to bring forth fruit. Serve God now, but be careful as to the way in which you perform what you find to do- “do it with thy might.” Do it promptly; do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do to-morrow as if that could recompense for the idleness of to-day. No man ever served God by doing things to-morrow. If we honour Christ and are blessed, it is by the things which we do to-day. Whatever you do for Christ throw your whole soul into it. Do not give Christ a little slurred labour, done as a matter of course now and then; but when you do serve him, do it with heart, and soul, and strength.
But where is the might of a Christian? It is not in himself, for he is perfect weakness. His might lieth in the Lord of Hosts. Then let us seek his help; let us proceed with prayer and faith, and when we have done what our “hand findeth to do,” let us wait upon the Lord for his blessing. What we do thus will be well done, and will not fail in its effect.
As someone with a “visionary”-type personality, I can tell you that I have constructed many more plans than I have followed through with. This can be a great source of depression, frustration with myself, and guilt without the remembrance that God is merciful.
But praise the Lord! He is merciful! Where I am weak, He is plenty strong and capable.
Lord, let me see the value in a task completed. Spur me on to the finish.
– knittingprose
*photo by Guillermo Lo Forte
