Last evening, I rushed home from our Bible study launch of Priscilla Shirer’s “one in a million” to participate in an on-line conference hosted by A Women Inspired. I missed most of the first session, but was excited to learn that my girl, Kristen from Exemplify, was hosting the second session. Like most of us in blogland, Kristen and I have yet to make a face-to-face connection. Thus, I was all the more eager to at least “hear” her voice; it didn’t matter much to me what she would be talking about. She could have talked fashion for all I cared; I would have listened (despite my careless attitude along those lines). It wasn’t the content I was after. It was the relationship. But my sister had a word to further validate the person she is … the person I’ve grown to love and admire throughout my time in the blogging world.
A simple, tender admonition to “see to it”. See to the work you have received in the Lord. She repeated the phrase throughout her presentation, and at one point, inserted my name into the mix (she knew I was there because participants are on-line “chatting” while the presenter is speaking).
“See to it, Elaine, see to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.”
I’ve thought a lot about that “charge” in the past fourteen hours, and I’ve asked the Lord a few questions along these lines. What is the work I have received from you Lord? What are you calling me to complete? What are the unfinished “chapters” that need words and punctuation and thematic flow? What is the work that is mine to conclude, and what is the work better left to someone else’s conclusion? Show me, Father, my place in your kingdom plan.
I went to sleep pondering my thoughts; I awoke with the same and then “happened” upon Mark 8:22-25 in my time of morning devotion.
“They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, ‘Do you see anything?’ He looked up and said, ‘I see people; they look like trees walking around.’ Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.”
Today, like the blind man, I linger on the outskirts of Bethsaida with my questions regarding my “see to it”. My eyes vision partial; my heart all the more. Where I desire clarity, there are trees walking around. I am not alone in my contemplations; my Savior is here with me. In fact, he led me here by his hand and is administering his own form of clarity in the matter. He reminds me that clear vision takes faith, takes trust, and takes the necessary steps toward having trees turn into people. Dreams turn into realities. Hopes turn into the “surety and certainty” that roots me back to the Author and Perfecter of all “see to it’s”.
Seeing clearly begins with a willingness to walk with the Father to the outskirts of the village where we normally reside. Normal, usual, and daily routine don’t typically birth clarity regarding our “see to it’s”. Taking time to be Jesus in quiet isolation, away from life’s distractions, brings perspective. It is in those moments when we best pay attention to the hands of Christ’s administration over our needs. His “see to it’s” for each one of us are best seen when we can clearly hear the whisper of our names on his lips, offering us his tender admonition:
Elaine, do you see anything? What is coming into focus for you? See to it, child, see to the work you have received in my name.
How about you, friend?
____(your name)___, do you see anything? What is coming into focus for you? See to it, child, see to the work you have received in my name.
Today I have ample time for the contemplation because I am well aware of the human condition—the limits our bodies allow us to travel before putting a “halt” to our intentions, our lists, our “seeing to it’s”. It’s been looming for a few days now (read my last post). I’m fighting its arrival with plenty of prayer and over-the-counter wisdom, but even then, a “halt” has become my necessity.
Rather than seeing this day as a day lost regarding my many “lists”, I’m investing this time with my Father on the outskirts of my normal and asking him for his hands to sharpen my vision along the lines of my “see to it’s”. I believe him for as much, and I am exceedingly grateful for these moments I’ve been given to step aside with him in isolation.
I pray the same for you in the days to come. God has given each one of us some “see to it’s”. There are seasons when it’s hard to clearly determine his intentions along these lines, but as we take time to be alone with Jesus, he takes the time and is more than willing to sharpen our focus and to strengthen our steps for the duration and completion of the ordained works he has placed in our hands.
So in the words of the Apostle Paul, and in the words of my good friend Kristen, see to it today. See to Jesus. Be with Jesus. Walking trees are just the beginning of a sharper beholding. As you are faithful to hang on for more, God is faithful to reveal to you his more. As always,
peace for the journey,
In the last several weeks, I have been pondering on what exactly the Lord's purpose is for my life. I want to be an encouragement to others, and I look for opportunities to do that, but I keep thinking there must be something more. This is a challenge to think about: What is my "see to it" that the Lord would have me complete? Thanks for sharing. Donna
Elaine…were you in my car today? As I drove out of town I was speaking out loud to the Lord. After Sunday's prayer, "Lord I want to see You", I've still been imploring Him. I really sense He has a fresh revelation for me, but for some reason it is still hidden.
Elaine, I'm on the outskirts. I see trees. As Twila Paris sings, I need clearer vision for the mission.
I'd "see to it" if I could only see it….oh, if I could only see it.
Asking for eyes of faith,
Joy
Elaine, I have much that Christ is telling me to "see to it" lately! Even more today because I rushed out the door to Bible Study without first spending time alone with my Lord! What a difference it makes. When I am rushing by Him, I cannot possibly stop and spend time with Him.Thank you so much for this post today. I need to read and reread it. Love you! Susan
Thanks for this post, Elaine. God is speaking these same things to me…asking me to come alongside Him and listen as He shows me those 'things' that He wants me to 'see to'…
Bless you for always speaking to my heart…
Susan
Elaine, I also want to be able to "see" what it is that God has for me to do! I sometimes long for something "big" to do and overlook all the "small" everyday things that are so important to my family and friends. "If ye have done it for the least of these, ye have done it for me".
Love, love reading your posts Elaine.
Marilyn…in Mississippi
"See to it" for me speaks of completion. I was once the world's BEST starter. No kidding. I could start a project like none other, a big thinker. Lately the Lord is teaching me to be a finisher of the things I start. This year I'm teaching 10th Grade Girls Sunday School and 4th Grade AWANA. Clearly, these are two things I must "see to it". Great post Sister. I would have loved to have been listening in on that conference call.
Oh, how I long for HIS completion of the work He has begun in me and through me. Today of all days – this has spoken volumes and has given me clarity for what tomorrow holds – even if there are still some trees walking!
God keeps taking me to scriptures about beggars – and this week His word to me has been PERSEVERANCE!
Boy does that fit….. Those who keep on asking [begging] shall receive with PERSEVERANCE of Faith!
I'm begging for health & healing!
I'm begging for promises fulfilled!
I'm begging for His will in SW!
All for the purpose of knowing and loving HIM more!
Yes – I will "see to it, Stephanie…" – and I know that God will do His part if I persevere to do mine!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
[JESUS – For His Name's Sake]
Such a wonderful, thought provoking post.
"See to it today. See to Jesus. Be with Jesus."
Thank you Holy Spirit for speaking to me today through my sweet friend Elaine!
Wow! I am going to have to think about this a little…
Such simple words with such a powerful impact. I don't believe I've ever considered them as you've layed them out here. I recognize the "outskirts", though.
Thank you. I'm going to have to ponder a bit myself, and pray. This has me thinking.
Kathleen
Somehow I missed your name in the list! I heard her say Elaine, but I just didn't make the connection!
Kristen just set me on fire. The Lord anointed her with a special message and then hit it out of the park!
That has become my new favorite verse for now. I circled it, wrote my name over it, prayed it. Yes,Lord! Help Marsha to see to it.
Blessings.
Oh, girl. Ok. Ok.
I'm getting the picture here.
See to it.
That I.
Finish the work.
That He has given.
To me.
Translates:
Don't give up.
Don't give in.
Don't give out.
Sweet dreams.
I hope your family is better! I know you are on the right path and you are getting it done for sure:)
You've heard the saying, "I can't see the forest for the trees." That's me. I've allowed some issues to get in the way. Praying for clearer vision…
Be Thou My Vision
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee, Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.
I'm so sorry you all have been sick. I'm praying that God will restore good health to your family! Take care, my friend.
Elaine,
You are such a light and an inspiration. I just came home from my Bible study and your words really spoke to me.
I was away last night and am so sorry that I missed Kristen's talk! I know how wise and talented she is. (Hmmm, kind of like you!)
"See to it!" I am going to carry these thoughts with me to bed.
Sweet dreams, my friend,
Kelli
As you are faithful to hang on for more, God is faithful to reveal to you his more.
Excellent!!
Now, I'm going to see to it!!
What a blessing you are Elaine. Always causing us to seek and search for more♥
What a good word, Elaine, when so many things — even good things — try to pull us in so many directions. Seeing to the things He has called us to do… what a great focus and re-focusing tool!
Loved this post. Thank you for sharing such a powerful one.
Diana
I like this line:
"As you are faithful to hang on for more, God is faithful to reveal to you his more."
I'm faithful in my hanging on. I patiently wait for His more. Thank You Jesus!
Sometimes I feel that I need those things you put on a horse to keep them from being distracted…blinders. Seeing expansively is often a distraction from just my "see to it" call. You are such an inspirational writer. You have become an exentension of my reading regularly you know.
Beautiful!
I am not looking at what's happening; I'm "seeing" what's coming.
Love
Melanie@Bella~Mella
So beautiful, Elaine! I've been trying to listen and determine what my "see to its" are for awhile now. I'm beginning to see, but I think this is only the beginning. It is a bit scary and exciting all at the same time! So glad you shared this today… words I needed to read.
I think the hardest part for me is when I'm done "seeing to it"… and it is time to release the old "it" and move on towards the new "it"… it is rather disconcerting.
Elaine, thanks for this post. I have also been thinking along these lines lately. I can SEE the work, I want to DO the work, but something that Satan ALWAYS does to me is throw obstacles in my way. As soon as I start to become effective for Christ, Satan always throws those curve balls my way to discourage me. Whether it is a sick child (a hurt child as of late), conflicts, too busy of a schedule, etc. Things pop up that interfere. I am on to him, and I am standing firm in my desires to serve Christ and to forge ahead in that work. I know that I am not the only one he does this too. Let's lift each other up in prayer as we fight the enemy and "keep on keeping on" for Christ!
Blessings my friend!
P.S. Seriously considering a Women's Retreat in the Spring. I think I know a WONDERFUL speaker! 🙂 I will contact you with details later!!