Unequal Partnership

I once worked for a company owned by two brothers who were equal partners, one responsible for manufacturing, the other for sales. Corporate growth was stunted, because one brother’s progressive idea was often vetoed by the other. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could have a partner who made no mistakes and supported us with every good idea and deny what wasn’t? Who would that be? As God’s partner, we can work with confidence knowing he will support what he knows is best.

If two people can’t agree on the direction they should go, how can they walk together? Don’t share goals with unbelievers. — Amos 3:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14

Ten Thoughts to Ponder

1. Giving it all up to the Lord is much better than hanging on to something I can do nothing about.
2. Without common goals, partnership is a delusion.
3. We pray and nothing happens. We make that assumption when we can’t see the hand of God at work.
4. Since God is easily touched by the feeling of our infirmities, he cannot ignore our prayers.
5. Patience requires waiting for the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
6. With the prompting of the Holy Spirit, patience doesn’t have to wait any longer.
7. Patience waits for the right time, not the perfect time.
8. With high expectations for myself, I will react with impatience. But with high expectations for the Lord, I will react with patience.
9. The beauty of God’s handiwork would take our breath away, if only we could see it.
10. Grace is “unmerited favor,” yet people think they must do something to deserve God’s favor and lessen their pain.

Questions for Further Thought

• What’s the best approach when people don’t agree?
• What can we do when we’re not sure what God wants?