April 30, 2018 – Monday
Reading
James 2:17(b) [MSG] Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?
1 John 3:17 [MSG] If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.
Reflection
A coworker was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She informed HR, and she confided in me at lunch. Obviously, she is in trauma. A young woman with a toddler and no husband. While she has an excellent medical team still determining the full extent of the disease, she is drowning in the sea of what-ifs. And these thoughts lead her to the worst possible scenario. Even before she must take off work-time for whatever may come, she is having difficulty staying focused on her job tasks. She is falling behind, and this adds further stress.
So, we prayed, and suddenly the Holy Spirit moved me. Whenever she feels drowning in the sea of what-ifs, I will step in and take on some of her case load. It might be for an hour during the day, or perhaps for an entire workday. I cannot take away the diagnoses, but I can help take away some of the workplace stress.
Scripture reminds us that faith by itself is simply not enough. And there is an old African prayer that says, “when you pray, move your feet.” You and I cannot do everything to help a coworker in trauma, but we can do many things.
If you know a coworker drowning in the sea of what-ifs, don’t turn a cold shoulder and do nothing. Take responsibility for God-acts.
Today at work, don’t be the reason why His love disappears! Don’t let it disappear.
Prayer
Dear God, that You for Your love that leads to the gift of serving others. Show and guide me toward Your people who are drowning in the sea of what-ifs at work today. Give me strength to do, not just to talk. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.
Renata Rankin
Disability adjudicator
MS Disability
Jackson, Mississippi USA
and MPA Candidate
Belhaven University
Jackson, Mississippi USA
