September 13, 2026

Good Is the Enemy of Great

God knows when we’ve performed adequately and also when we have dug deep and performed an amazing job that will affect people. Whether we are writing, building a house, or putting out a fire, God expects our very best.

Worry is the enemy of productive and creative planning. We will always face challenges. Challenges ignite creativity. Worry stops all forward progress. It paralyzes people, bringing hope of a solution to a halt. When we find ourselves giving in to fruitless worries and “what ifs,” our next step should be making a proactive plan. And trusting God!

At the end of every day, we tend to subconsciously evaluate our impact and effectiveness. There is something deeply satisfying when we know beyond question we have helped someone live, grow or thrive better because we were there. If, instead, our actions and efforts have only added to ego or self, that feeling of validation slowly begins to shrivel..  No amount of accolades or praise can fill the empty space.

Our gifts from God include our call, our talent and our ability and need to pray for others. There was once a child in our church I did not know well.  One Sunday our Pastor asked us to pray for the children. They all came to the front. As I started to pray, God focused my eyes on that particular child. He said, “Pray just for him. And pray for him every day until I tell you to stop.” That was several years ago. This child is almost grown now, unaware I pray for him daily. But what has happened to me? I love him. I see him as God sees him. His call, his talents, his future all matter to me. God puts great love for others into us as we obediently pray for them!

I am comfortable that I am called to write. And to pray.  My experience following God’s request to pray for one important child changed my attitude regarding obedience. 

Dear God, Thank You for teaching me to know Your voice, to hear Your requests, and to understand the value of obedience.  There are indeed prayers that avail much.  But there are also people who pray without ceasing, who lay down their lives (and their hours) for others and they pray until God moves.  Be that prayer.  Be that one who paces and prays, wo sees the outcome and calls it finished, that one who beseeches God until all He has asked has been fulfilled.

And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.  2 Corinthians 1:11