The Right Tool
by Tanya Person
Have you ever thought of the importance of having the right tool? I was in Alaska for the first snowfall last winter. I was staying with my daughter after the birth of her son and she was still asleep when I needed to go to an appointment.
There was just enough snow that I needed to clear off the car and shovel around it before I could leave, but I didn’t know where they kept their snow shovel. I started out using a broom, but the snow was too deep and wet for that to work well. Then I found some cardboard. It worked well for a time, but then got too limp as it became saturated with the moisture from the snow. Finally I found a shovel! The job was finished much easier and quicker once I had the right tool!
How many of us go through life using the wrong tool for a job? The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will give us gifts, which are the tools we need for any situation when we need them, but many times we try to do things in our own strength and in our own way. We may have a measure of success, but it can’t compare to the results we get when we do things God’s way!
Take, for example, a situation where you need to give someone some advice. Do you ask God for wisdom, or do you give advice based on your own years of experience? James 1:5 says if we lack wisdom, we should ask God who gives generously to all! This is a tool that we can use in our everyday life!
Or if we need direction about what path to take in our life, Isaiah 30:21 states, ‘Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”’ Listening to the Holy Spirit guiding us is another ‘tool’ that we can use in our walk with God. And I’m sure you can think of many more examples of spiritual gifts or tools that God wants to give us if we ask.
Let’s repent for trying to do things our own way and look to God for the tools we need to live our lives for Him!
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for the times when I’ve tried to do things my way and in my own strength rather than relying on the Holy Spirit. Help me learn to trust You more and to hear Your guidance. Amen.
Tanya Person Tanya and her husband, Jim, were missionaries to Hungary for over 18 years. They have worked with Ellel since 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where they are now serving with the Ellel USA team. They have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom, and for mentoring the existing and developing team. Tanya also enjoys crocheting and knitting in her free time and has written some children’s picture books.
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