I’ve spent the day helping a buddy do demolition work at one of his properties. This has been the first time I’ve ever had the “privilege” of operating a jackhammer, and my body is reminding me that I’ve spent several hours outside of my comfort zone.
My friend’s wife, along with their daughter, brought us a great lunch: turkey salad sandwiches, fruit, chips, sweet ice tea, and peppermint brownies. We were ready for the break, and although neither of us voiced this, we probably both dreaded getting back to work. (At least that’s how this half of the two-man crew felt!)
But, the day was beautiful. (Although a little more breeze would have been nice!) I enjoyed the time spent with my friends. And by working together, we accomplished a good bit. All in all, today has been a good day.
I resisted the urge to apologize for my work.
I frequently compare my strength to the strength of other men, and feel the need to apologize for what I perceive as weakness in me. That compulsion comes from a subtle lie that the enemy planted long ago. “You’re not strong enough. You don’t have what it takes. You can’t do enough. You’re not fully a man.”
The truth is, my friend asked for my help, not because he thought I’m super strong, but because he believed I had enough strength to be a help. Today, whether taking a turn with the jackhammer, or using the sledge, or doing my best to heave chucks of broken concrete, I resisted the urge to confess, “I’m sorry that I’m not better help. I’m sorry that I can’t do this (or that) better.” I was doing what I could, and that was all that I needed to do.
How many times do we apologize or experience guilt, not because we’ve done wrong, but because we are listening to the enemy’s lies telling us that we are a failure, that we are weak, that we are insignificant, that our abilities are not as valuable as someone else’s? How many times do we say “no” to new opportunities because we fear we won’t measure up to other’s (or our own) expectations. (Ouch, now I’m really stepping on my own toes!) Doesn’t our self-centered negativity and fear threaten to keep us from enjoying how God has created us?
Opposite of how I often think about myself, the writer of Psalm 139 states confidently “I praise you (God) because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Ps 139:14 NIV) Tonight I am choosing to praise God for the ability to help my friend. I don’t need to be embarrassed or ashamed about my work; I have lived today according to the way God has created me.
Saying “no” to old lies, with a jackhammer in hand, is no small victory!
(To battle lies of insignificance, read through Psalm 139 as a personal prayer celebrating God’s work and presence in your life .)
I so needed to hear this today. As you two are jackhammering and sledgehammering away, I need to remember that the smaller tasks that I’m doing count too. So thank you for the reminder that doing what God made me to do is important too.
Well, I know two guys who were VERY thankful that you were willing to use the gifts, abilities, and talents God gave you! Without your part, we would not have accomplished nearly as much!