be clear about your assignment

Romans 12:2 ESV
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

We need to learn to go to God when we are considering picking up an assignment. I learned this the hard way.

Every week for a year a young woman would rush up immediately after a church service or meeting and ask that I prayed for her. Often, she would interrupt a conversation I was having. Other times she would hang around in my eye line, sighing and fidgeting, clearly wanting to hurry me along as I was praying for someone else. Of course, I prayed for her. Every time. But it didn’t matter what or how often I prayed she never seemed to move forward; the problems were never resolved.
 
One day I was so frustrated with the lack of progress I asked God to stop her coming up to me. “Send her to someone else, Lord!” I cried. He answered, “I didn’t send her to you in the first place!” In that moment I realised I had never asked God whether she was my assignment. I’d gone along with what she wanted and never asked what the Lord wanted.

It is second nature to want to help but we have to face the fact that our stepping in over and over again may not actually be what is needed. For example, there may be others much better equipped to serve a particular person in a certain season. It is also true that some people may well need to take responsibility for the issues they face. Prayer without a commitment to act can be a waste of everyone's time!

We have limited time and resources. Let’s ask the Lord how we should use them.

Let's pray
Lord, I know I can't pour from an empty jug so please fill me up now by your holy spirit. Give me a great love for the people you put in front of me along with wisdom as to what they need and whether I am the one best placed to provide it. Lord, I am yours. Have your way in my life. Guide me in the best way to honour and serve you. Amen.