CAME: Goodbook 12-18-12

Goodbook messages arrive every Tuesday and Friday with a Scripture reading and ideas for how to apply the reading in our lives. We are reading through the book of Acts. For additional Scripture reading, you can follow the Advanced Track.

Reading: Acts 18:5

When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.

Application:

I’ll bet Paul was so relieved when Silas and Timothy came.  He had people who could help and support him in the ministry he was doing.  They were able to share responsibilities so that Paul could be more focused in his efforts.

I think this is a great model for work and for home and for life.  God does not expect us to do everything on our own.  God created his people like a body.  We make up different parts that all work together.  When we share responsibilities with others, it allows each of us to focus more on a certain area and give that area our very best.

You may be thinking, “I wish I had that kind of support and help with what I am doing.”  But Paul was not simply lucky or fortunate that he had helpers show up.  Paul was very intentional.  One thing Paul did was ask for help.  He specifically asked for Silas and Timothy to come to him at Athens (17:15).  More than that, Paul invested in others and developed leaders who could partner with him.  Paul invested in Timothy.  He brought Timothy alongside him in ministry – modeling, teaching, coaching, and training Timothy to be a partner in ministry.

Paul’s willingness to ask for help and his intentional investment in others paid off as he had two outstanding people join him in ministry.  Think about this model in your context – at home or at work or at church.  Do you ever feel like you are trying to do it all yourself?  Do you ever feel spread thin?  Do you ever feel like you wish you had more support or help?  When I get to feeling like this, I have to ask myself: 1) How am I doing at asking for help? and maybe more importantly, 2) How am I doing at intentionally investing in others and developing new leaders?

Lately, I have been taking more time to invest and develop.  I select individuals that I can meet with on a regular basis.  We meet to read the Bible, talk about life, plan for ministry.  I provide them with opportunities to watch me serve and help me serve, as well as opportunities for me to watch and help them as they serve.  Every step of the way we talk about the process.  The payoff has been amazing as I’ve seen new people discover their God given gifts and excel in leadership roles.

1) Do you need help with something?  Who can you ask for help?
2) Who can you invest in and help develop their God-given potential?

Share your comments and application ideas...