mepastormike

Ever been surprised by the fact a person was surprised that you did something? Well, I've had a few of these over the past few days. I was taken back just a little when persons I was helping expressed surprised that I would actually help. I didn't check out their response to see what was behind it... perhaps I should have. Now this leaves me wondering... what exactly was it they were surprised about?
I guess it's made me stop and think about those individuals that want to help me at times. I've got to admit that many times my first response is something like, "No, that's okay... I don't expect you to...". Why don't I expect them to help? Perhaps I should just allow people to do what they volunteer to do and trust they will tell me if they really don't want to. Now, I fully understand that there are folks that will never say "NO" and that they can over-commit themselves to the point of being taken advantage of. But for the most part I need to allow those that want to help... to help!
I've come to realize that there is a big pride issue that goes on inside me sometimes when I have someone volunteer to help with things... for some reason I believe I should be the one to do things. Now you may seem surprised that this confession is coming from a pastor (then again maybe not), but I guarantee I'm not the only minister that has struggled with this. The fact is... I'm much better than I use to be. God does some good work with humbling those that need it... like me.
My reading took me to Ruth, chapter 1. In this chapter I read about some of the same kinds of surprises. This lady named Naomi tries to send her daughter-in-laws away, back to their homes after her sons die. One daughter-in-law leaves while the other refuses and stays right with her (her name is Ruth). Verse 18 states, "When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her [to leave]." Naomi had to come to an understanding that what Ruth said she would do, she would do! Perhaps Naomi had to swallow some of her pride and concede to the fact that she did need help after all.