The Dirty Kitchen Sink

I don' t know about you, but I often times think I know how to do everything! Only I can clean the house the way it needs to be cleaned. Only I can fold the laundry just right. Only I can plan an event like it should be planned. This leads to becoming overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed out. Not a good way to live a balanced life.

I remember early on in my marriage, I would FREAK out if I came home from work and the house was a mess. I remember yelling at my husband that I do EVERYTHING around the house! Being the awesome husband that he his, he quickly realized that if he picked up a few things, his wife won't freak out when she got home. Well guess what, I was not a good wife! He would have the dishes done, the house picked up, and guess what I would notice? The kitchen sink was dirty. Instead of thanking him for what he did, I would always point out what he didn't do. Then I was back at doing it 'all myself'!

When you look at how Jesus led his life and how obviously He was the BEST at doing EVERYTHING. He still empowered His disciples and His followers to help Him carry out His ministry. When He began His ministry and as the people began to hear about His miracles and teachings, the crowds began to flock to Him.

How overwhelming would that have felt? Ever feel like you could use about 4 more hours to your day because you have so much that needs to get done? I bet some days as the day drew to a close, He would look out and see them still coming.

In Matthew 9: 35 - 38 it shares that as He went through the towns and villages, teaching and healing EVERY (not just one here and there) EVERY disease and sickness. When He saw the CROWDS, He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Just think of the masses that were coming to Him? Ever feel like everyone wants something of you. Ever feel like there is just not enough of you to go around? Ever feel like you will never get it all done?

So what did Jesus do? Well He didn't freak out and start shouting, I do everything around here. How come I am the only one that can do all of the teaching and healing. Give me a break!

Instead in Matthew 10:1 it says that He called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. He empowered them. He said, 'YOU can do this!' He called His twelve disciples. He didn't sit back and wait for them to come to Him and say, 'How can I help you'. I see you are a little over-worked. No, He got on the phone, called them up, and said "Hey, I need some help over here and I think you would be great."

Look who we are talking about here! JESUS! The Lord and Creator of the universe! He called and asked for HELP! So why is it so hard for me to say, "Hey, I need some help over here?"

PRIDE. That is why! I think I can do it all. I look at Suzy Cue over there and think, "If she can do it, so can I. She is not asking for any help." So I continue on my journey, stressed out, over worked, and frustrated. When what if I realized that I am not that great at EVERYTHING.

How awesome is it that when I get home the house is picked up and the dishes are done and all I have to do is take a few seconds and clean the kitchen sink? I give my husband a hug and say THANKS. I really appreciate everything you do!

So my prayer to you today is that you remove the PRIDE in your life. Ask Jesus to break down that pride barrier and release you from feeling like only you can do the job. Ask Him to reveal to you the people in your life that can help you. Ask Him to give you the strength and the courage to call and ask for help. Then when the help is provided, empower those that helped you. Look at all of the awesome things they did to help you. Accept the help graciously, knowing that they also gained in the giving.

Matthew 9:37 says that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.

So the next time you are raving about how much YOU do! Remember, Jesus very easily could have done it all, but instead to keep a balance in His life, He called and asked for some help. He then empowered His helpers and said, "I know you can do this." He praised and thanked them for their help, acknowledging everything they did and not just what they didn't do. Then remember what satisfaction the disciples must have felt, knowing that they were giving back. They were helping and making a difference in the lives of those they were healing, but also in the life of Jesus.

Jill