A mount of sand and a shovel taught me a spiritual lesson on being prepared when God gives an assignment.
I was tired, hot, and sweaty. Still, the mound of sand seemed desperately low compared with the amount of sweat I had shed. There was still so much to do!
My father had gently asked me to help him with the heap of sand in front of his country house. My job was simple: shift the sand (roughly 100 kilos (220 pounds)) from the entrance to a back corner of their home.
At first, I rejoiced at the idea of being active. I was on holiday with my family at my parents’ lovely country house and hadn’t done much to burn the calories gained from the delicious meals my mother cooked regularly.
Although my mission was simple, I quickly figured out that I had to be equipped to perform it. I needed: a bucket, a pair of gloves, sturdy boots and a shovel. I managed to get most of the item quite easily including the boots. Although a bit oversized, these heavy-duty men’s boots did the job. Wearing them made me focussed immediately on the job, no time to parade.
Retrieving the shovel was another story. (I am getting to the life lesson now).
First, I looked for it everywhere and, finally, resolved to ask Dad where to find it. Placed on the top a muddy, steep, narrow passage between the fence and the house, the shovel was “insolently” laying on the top a high-elevated cement platform. I hadn’t started the job, but I was already feeling exhausted and weak just trying to reach this far-flung shovel. (Now, let me stop here for a minute. The action takes place in a lovely, vibrant, Caribbean island where heat and humidity conspire relentlessly from mid-morning up to early evening to defeat you (unless mosquitoes have already fulfilled that mission.))
Then, I pondered how to approach this problematic corner as alpinists would - “from the top or the bottom?” “Would I need a rope?” Fast forward. I managed to grab the shovel then let go a shout of victory (my torn jegging and drenched t-shirt as physical witnesses of my endeavour). Now the shift-the-100kgs-of-sand-job was staring right at me! Well, thank God, despite the heat and the weight of a heaped shovel of sand (carried back and forth multiple times), I completed my job. Praise the Lord!
As I reflect on this, it made me think of times when God assigned me a mission. This experience opened to the reality of being Christ disciples. As my earthly father asked me to help in his garden, God our heavenly Father called us to accomplish a mission in His vineyard. As my father points me towards the tools I needed to get the job done but didn’t put them into my hands, in the same way, God will show us which tools to use, but in His wisdom will let us find and carry them to strengthen and warm up our spiritual muscles (faith, patience, discernment) for the big job ahead. (Phil 4:13)
I love how God prepares me for the mission ahead – He lets me “fight” the good fight for a while, as I try to find the tools (physical and spiritual) needed for the job. Learning patience with others and myself (have mercy!) Learning to forgive others and self. Leaning to trust when the physical reality defies or contradicts with God’s promises. This preparation is not easy but is necessary.
When launching a new ministry, a new project or a business in obedience to God’s calling, we have to be willing to face various struggles. (Ask the apostle Paul.) We face challenges as we prayerfully try to secure much-needed resources and finances, enlist, recruit and train team members, search for an adequate location, and sometimes even deal with a lethargic or confused environment. Moreover, sometimes fear creeps in, fear of rejection, fear of failure, doubts. But Praise be to God who gives us peace as we work for him.
So, don’t be afraid to go through your God-given pre-assignment. Prayerfully figure out or create the tools (and the mindset!) you would need before you enter in the mission field. It’s part of the process of the journey of growing stronger in God and trusting Him more. He knows the outcomes of this mission, this project, this ministry.
God loves you, and He will not give you more than you can bear. Trust Him.
Let’s pray:
“Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for the mission You have assigned to me. Although it looks and sounds overwhelming, through your Holy Spirit, empower me, strengthen me, give me Your peace and divine wisdom to start and deliver this mission in Your name. All Glory belongs to You. In your name Jesus, I pray Amen!
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