January 4, 2023
Are You Asking This Question?
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked (Luke 3:10 NIV).
Friend to Friend
When my husband and I started our business, we worked non-stop. While our optimism was high, the days were long, and the learning curve was brutal. We’re a few years in now and still a ways away from the business being the well-oiled machine we'd like it to be, but one thing we have going for us is this: we aren't afraid to ask for help.
We call our corporate office and our business coach regularly, desperate for direction and understanding. What should we do in this payroll situation? What should our employee recertification trainings include? What best practices increase client satisfaction?
Each question we ask is met with answers that bring us greater clarity and direction. We want to understand what the core foundations of our business should look like for growth and success.
In Luke 3, John the Baptist had just begun his ministry and was surrounded by people who were asking questions and looking for direction. His job? Prepare the way of the Lord (Luke 3:4). Many royal rulers and powerful leaders of the land are listed at the beginning of the chapter to set the stage and give us historical context, yet it is a normal guy, born to older parents, in an off-the-map-of-all-places-important rural village that the Lord called to be the forerunner for Jesus.
Doesn’t it encourage you that God uses normal people from ordinary places to tell the world about Jesus?
Me too.
The Lord spoke to John when he was in the wilderness and told him what to do (Luke 3:2). Then John walked his sandals to the dusty country trails around the Jordan and got himself busy for Jesus. He preached what the Bible calls “a baptism of repentance” for the forgiveness of sins, and he challenged the people of Israel to live lives that produced fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:3,8). His message was two-fold, but simple: turn from sin and turn toward God.
The people wanted John to help them understand.
They wanted to know what repentance should look like in their lives.
“‘What should we do then?’ the crowd asked” (Luke 3:10).
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay” (Luke 3:11-14).
That same question was posed from people of different backgrounds, careers, ages, and responsibilities ... from people with different challenges and different experiences. What should we do?
Similarly, I often find myself asking God for guidance. What should I do, God? What should my life look like?
In Psalm 119, I see a glimpse of what God’s answer might be to this. My life should look a lot like His Word. Like Jesus.
Clarity for confusion and direction for my days and soul will come as I look to the Lord as my Portion and seek His face with all my heart. When I believe in His commands, obey His Word, and ask Him to teach me knowledge, good judgment, and His decrees.
Ultimately, I will know what to do and what my life should look like when the Word of God is a lamp and light that points me in the ways of Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Thank You for Your Word that's rich with lessons and leadings. Please help me to be a woman who does things that will cause others to see You. Guide me in Your ways. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What do you need to ask God to help you with today?
Let’s pray together today. Meet us in the comments section to share your heart and pray for one another.
More from the Girlfriends
What questions are you asking God in this season of life? Got some dreams that you’re ready to prioritize and make happen? Do you desire to be mentored professionally and challenged as you progress toward your goals? Gain focus, bolster your courage and sharpen your competencies through 1-on-1 personal, ministry or business coaching with Gwen Smith. Spots are limited. Learn more at GwenSmith.net/Coaching.
© 2023 by Gwen Smith. All rights reserved.
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