There is a right no and a wrong yes! Think about that for a moment. Your right yes and wrong no is tied to timing and positioning.
One of the most painful things that was said to me was, you did nothing for me, when I poured so much into them, for over seven years, at great cost. I had no problem doing anything I did, however, these words pierced my heart and felt like a punch in the face! I wasn't looking for gratitude because that's not why I do what I do. However, I wasn't expecting such a blatant head on attack.
I have to own some of that because possibly they weren't my assignment! Sometimes we pour where we were never meant to pour. Some of our pain is self-inflicted based on the decisions we make.
Yes, I said that. It's easy to blame the other person but, they didn't put me in that position, I did! So, yes, I have to own some of that outcome because I should have gone to God and asked specifically how I was to serve this person, or if I was to serve them at all, instead of just jumping in because of compassion and seeing a need I could fill.
In ministry, we can, I have, taken on things with the right heart but it's not our/my assignment, season, or purpose. And the good we/I meant to do actually caused harm to all involved, and possibly interrupted what God was doing in that person's life.
Now, before I dive in, I ask, Lord, is this my assignment? Do you want me to serve here? If the answer is yes, I ask, how do you want me to serve them? I need to make sure I have clear boundaries that protect everyone involved.
I have learned that sometimes my assignment is not to take the assignment, to say no. And sometimes my assignment is to pray from a distance, not be hands on, all in. Recognizing assignments and timing are critical to what God is doing overall. When we touch a situation, the impact is not just in that moment. The impact can be a lifetime. and it can impact others who were not in that moment.
We have to remember that saying no is not a bad thing. It shows respect for our God ordained purpose, God's timing, and His assignment in our lives and in the lives of those we minister to. A wrong yes means a wrong no to where we're supposed to serve. A wrong yes can be a detour, not just in our lives but in the lives of others, waiting on our yes!
My important take away is timing. I have to trust God's timing and seek His wisdom for every situation I face.
"TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMPC)
FAITH CONFESSION:
Thank You Abba Father for balance, that sees Your heart in the situation and the need from Your perspective. Thank you for showing me, and anyone reading this, how to serve without interrupting Your plan for all involved.
Be Encouraged! ❤