DO THE NEXT THING

In the last few years there have been so many changes in our lives, good and bad.  The hardest thing to do is change our circumstances when we do not want to.  Trials, Temptations, and just living this life on this earth can at sometimes be over whelming.

I always go back to a poem that Elizabeth Elliot qoated that kept her going when life threw her a curve.

DO THE NEXT THING

From an old English parsonage, down by the sea

There came in the twilight a message to me,

Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraved,

Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.

And on through the hours the quiet words ring,

Like a Low inspiration....

"DO THE NEXT THING."

Many a questioning, many a fear,

Many a doubt, hath it quieting here.

Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,

Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.

Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,

Trust them with Jesus,

"DO THE NEXT THING."

Do it immediately; do it with prayer;

Do it reliantly, casting all care;

Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand

Who place it before thee with earnest command.

Stayed on Omnipotence, safe'neath His wing,

Leave all resultings,

"DO THE NEXT THING."

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,

(Working or suffering) be thy demeanor,

In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,

The light of His countenance be thy psalm,

Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,

Then, as He beckons thee

"DO THE NEXT THING."

Elizabeth Eliot goes on to say in her book "Be Still My Soul."

There is nothing magical about this.  The Lord has assigned you your portion and your cup, it is designated, measured precisely.  Are you upset because you have been hindered from doing, what you wanted to do?  Jesus Christ provides the way out of the labyrinth of the world into the freedom of the new creation.  You will keep the same talents, the same circumstances, the same health, the same family, the same property, the same daily demands.  But as some has said, "A door has opened and the crossing over to Christ has been made possible by acceptances."

IN ACCEPTANCE LIETH PEACE.

Hope this inspires you to go on and "DO THE NEXT THING," that is required of you.

Nina