What to do When…
Unless we operate on autopilot, we ask ourselves almost daily what to do when situations, phone calls, or meetings happen. With busy schedules, people find themselves ‘flying by the seat of their pants,’ meaning they take no time for proper preparation, planning, or prayer.
This may work in our lives for a time or two or a while, until we are caught off guard, not with the meeting, but with people in the meeting. It could be something they say or do, or something they don’t say or do. Maybe it’s as trivial as what they are wearing, who they are sitting by, or the fact that they are always late to the meeting! You laugh, but you know it’s true.
Without God, we are judgmental creatures with high expectations of others while putting few expectations on ourselves. Now you are sober, but you know it is true. With God as our Father, we must let go of these natural, carnal ways that find tendencies in our new nature. But how?
How can we stay prepared, be ready for any situation, and know we honor God with our actions and our words? There is no magic formula, but we can find clear instructions in God’s Word that equip us, allowing the Holy Spirit to be involved.
Let’s look at 3 directives in God’s Word that will help equip us.
We must love God. Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please God without faith. As we come near to God, believing that He exists and understanding that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. If we love Him, we will seek Him, and this takes faith!
We must love people. In John 13:34 we read the words of Jesus. I give you a new commandment; that you should love one another. Just as I have love you, so you too should love one another. That is good stuff, but then He continues with this. v. 35 By this all men know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.
Put these two together, and we have the life of Jesus. The apostle Paul gives instructions to Timothy about how to live like this, to love God and love people. Paul put young Timothy in charge of the church at Ephesus. Paul knew Timothy would be challenged by the actions of those in the church, and he shared with him the heart of God. I Timothy 2:8 says, I desire therefore that in every place men (and women) should pray without anger or quarrleing or resentment or doubt in their minds, lifting up holy hands. In 6:12, we read, Fight the good fight of faith. We are encouraged in II Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (a calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control).
Evidently, Timothy needed to hear this. Maybe we do to?! II Timothy continues with spiritual instruction for us as believers, followers of Christ, and servants within the church.
Finally, let’s end with this. II Timothy 3:16. If we are going to walk by faith, we must receive all of God’s word as God’s Word. Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, and for training in righteousness.
As we embrace God, His love, His Son, and His Word, allowing Him to do a work in our lives, it will not matter what comes our way, or who comes our way, God will make a way for His love to shine through. We can say, I will know what to do when… whatever it is, I am giving God control.
This comes as we spend time with the Father. He earnestly desires to spend time with you.
Remember, the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.
Dr. Michele
April 27, 2025
