Stepping Stones: Holy Ground Here On Earth

Transformational Thought

Our society is so complex, more toys and gadgets than you can count, and so much technology at our fingertips. My two teenager daughters swear they can easily tackle a conversation, text, and watch a YouTube video … all at the same time!

I am blessed to be a pretty good multi-tasker myself. Very rarely am I doing just one thing at a time. Part of it is my addiction to productivity; part of it is enjoying activity. But there are times I have trouble multi-tasking. It especially affects me when I’m talking with another person who is in need … who is opening up and seeking support or advice. I get very focused on them and what they are sharing … on what I am about to say and how I can help … and sometimes I forget to listen to what God wants me to communicate to them.

The latent hero (or is it the egotist in me?) tries to take charge and “rescue” the person. I am just relying on myself … but trusting my limited abilities is so ineffective. My usefulness in vocation and ministry dramatically improved when I realized this key reality. When people bare their souls to me, I know that I am standing on holy ground, and I need to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit to direct my response in a God-like fashion.

Satan wants us to act on our own power, to leave God out of the equation. And our natural inclination toward independence and self-direction play into this “leave God out conspiracy.” If you jump in with both feet trying to rescue someone without first asking for God’s help and guidance, you have missed the mark and spoiled a splendid opportunity. Your muddy footprints are polluting the holy terrain where you are standing.

Today, as you relate to people, first ask God to listen through you … think through you … love through you … to use you to impact others. We want eyes that see, ears that hear, and a heart that understands. These come from God and help us listen, understand, and provide answers. Everyone in this world has needs and struggles in some way. Remember that your main purpose is to direct the person toward God and His limitless resources. Your decision, so choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I know and believe, Father, that when people bare their souls to me … it is You that has sent them to me. Help me not to play the role of the hero; rather help me be a better instrument of Yours. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I say exactly what You want them to hear. Help me remember that at that very time, I am standing on holy ground. This is an area where I want and need to grow. Help me grow, Father. I pray in the name of the one who empowers me to hear Your voice, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8

Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”
Exodus 3:5

“But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles--to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:16-18