I was an entrepreneurial kid. If I saw sycamore leaves all over a yard, I’d knock on the door with a rake and trash-bag in hand, and convince the homeowner to let me rake the yard. But, I requested payment up-front.
I remember getting into a few negotiations with people over this, and my argument went like this, “if you pay me now, then I won’t have to bother you later.” It seemed to work every time – well, except once.
There was an elderly man who always came to the door with his military-issue garrison cap. He would never agree to pay me up front and negotiations failed. I’d just walk away.
One weekend, I was about $10 short of getting a new bicycle, so I decided to give the old soldier another try. I agreed to be paid at the end of the job, but I wanted to nail down a price. He said, “you’ll know the reward once the job’s done.”
How absurd! I can’t agree to a job without a set fee! How ridiculous!
10 So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
(Exodus 3:10-12)
What a crazy proposition! Go do “this thing” and you will know that it’s the “right thing” after you’re done doing it. Say what? If we read on, we’ll see that Moses was not inspired either. He continued to press God for assurance.
Hmm. How many times have I done that with God? How many times have I pressed Him for assurances? Too many – and I’m ashamed to admit it. But, what I’ve learned from it all is that the leap requires faith, not assurance. Assurance is the reward for faithfulness in (and trust of) God.
P.S. I accepted the old soldier’s deal. At the end of the job, not only did I get a crisp and clean $20 bill – I also got a conversation and a new friend. Oh, and I trusted him to do right by me the next time around.
I just love how you related your ‘raking’ story to the story of how Moses just had nothing else to do but to trust that God will do what He said He would do. Beautiful story. I enjoyed it. Thanks.
Kind words, Jaycee. Glad you enjoyed it. God bless you.
Great example man. It’s all about faith!
Crazy faith!
This principal is all through scripture. More blessed are those who believe without seeing; Get out of the boat THEN see if you can walk on water; Step into the sea and then it will part… etc. Life is so much better once we overcome the doubt we all natural have in the beginning of our walk with God. It’s ok to walk gingerly in the beginning of your relationship with Christ, but the fun begins when you can Run in darkness, knowing beyond all doubt that you are in the care of one who is light!
Yes, it’s all over scripture… the more we leap, the more we are assured.
Great thoughts Herb! Love the application as well. I too have trouble just walking by faith and not by sight. Show me the money is all too often my modus operandi.
thanks, Bill.
This happens to be right where I’m living right now bro’. Thanks for the encouragement!
well, then I’ll pray for you, bro.
This is really encouraging today.
glad to hear it, buddy.
Nice example and it is about faith as Mo said.
Thanks, Jim.
Great story and great application Herb!
It’s time to get out of the boat … or rake some leaves. 🙂
hehe – thanks, Kevin.
Great story and great tie-in, Herb.
Thanks, buddy 🙂
Herb, I missed this post since I was gone, but glad that Kevin put it in his favorites this week. Great story and great point. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks, Jason – I have not had time to check everyone else’s posts today, and mine is sitting in draft still 🙁