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.

 

 

 

 

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11 Responses to “Are You Asking This Question?”

  1. Debbie says:

    Pray for me as I go on a trip in January with my youngest daughter, her husband and my grandchild. My daughter has walked away from her faith, my so in law is not a believer nor is his family. My daughter gets mad at me every time I make “references” to God; I.e. God has a plan, we don’t know what it is yet. Please pray foremost for peace on this trip, and that God’s light and love will shine thru me without me saying one word. I will definitely need the Holy Soirit to guide me In discretion. All I know to do is just to live them through my actions and not my words. Thank you for praying.

  2. Dawn says:

    I am asking God to help me choose the right doctor for knee replacement. Father show me which doctor is the one that follows you and will do an excellent job and will help me to heal fully from the knee surgery. In Jesus name amen

  3. Susan says:

    I have started a registration process to work from home. I have stalled in the early stages of the certification process. Also I am having a tough time reaching their support team. My prayer is to please make my mind come to a better place so I can figure this out. The extra money that will result is very necessary right now. Prayers in Jesus name. Amen

  4. Leona says:

    I am struggling with direction to bring my Positive Intelligence coaching into a perspective for Christians.

  5. A.C. says:

    For God to guide us as we navigate unknown territory regarding boundaries and respect.

  6. Carolyn says:

    I’m praying for healing for my sweet husband who has suffered with rheumatoid arthritis for many years. Now he is battling wounds on his foot that will not heal as a result of foot surgery. May God grant him healing, wisdom, and patience as He works His healing powers. Amen

  7. Darlene pope says:

    I am a nurse, ask if you know someone who had a knee replacement who did their surgery who did their were they happy with them.. you can rent a machine that post op using ice helps a lot, I rented one from hospital I had surgery. You will need a walker at first.you can look on line and access different physician’s rating, family doctor is one to ask. Good luck. I had knee replacement. If they want to do spinal block, I had difficulty with nausea discuss with your doctor first. My only complaint was I was sent home for 3 days was sick, called doctor on call and he did not tell me he called script in. I can ride bt bike, no pain in thhe knee. God helped me and my husband, give your self time.God will help you.

  8. Kathy says:

    Thank you Gwen😊 I am now at retirement age and find myself needing that “Lamp unto my feet and Light for my path” even more! I am so thankful for the rich treasury of His Word that corrects, instructs, comforts, and strengthens. I want the folks the Lord brings into my life to see and hear Jesus and be drawn to Him. I’m involved with a memory verse group working together to store His Word away in our hearts so we can walk in His wisdom and this really helps to keep His Word front and center. Thank you for sharing the wisdom and insight the Lord gives you.

  9. Lori says:

    I am asking for prayers for guidance on a career path. I just left a job at the end of December, as they didn’t have enough work for me nor really valued or wanted me there. I left with no plan – just walking by faith that God will lead me in the right direction when it’s time.

    Prayers for clarity on what I am called to do in this life Jesus set me out to do.

    I know it is his will over mine that he will make these things happen.

    In Jesus’s name we pray, amen. 🙏🏼❤️

  10. Debbie says:

    Pray for me as I go on a trip in January with my youngest daughter, her husband and my grandchild. My daughter has walked away from her faith, my so in law is not a believer nor is his family. My daughter gets mad at me every time I make “references” to God; I.e. God has a plan, we don’t know what it is yet. Please pray foremost for peace on this trip, and that God’s light and love will shine thru me without me saying one word. I will definitely need the Holy Soirit to guide me In discretion. All I know to do is just to live them through my actions and not my words. Thank you for praying.

  11. Joy says:

    I need the Lord’s guidance to help me go through new widowhood in a way that brings glory to him. My dear husband died suddenly from Covid less than 6 months after we moved into our home planned for retirement. I know the Lord is with me and I’m very thankful for His faithfulness and provision. I want to glorify Him at all times. Thank you for your prayers.

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"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well…" 1 Thessalonians 2:8