The Next Right Thing

​The elementary school my kids attend has an in-house news show. At one point my eldest had the opportunity to interview for a role, and I was surprised when she didn’t.
 
It wasn’t until a few years later that she shared her heart. She wanted to try out, but knew her best friend really wanted the role... so she graciously bowed out. I was so proud of her selfless behavior. My daughter sacrificed her desire because of love for her friend.
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​A sacrifice costs something, it risks something. Her sacrifice cost her opportunity. Esther and Nehemiah risked a much greater sacrifice when approaching their kings. Death, to be exact. But their love for their people drove them, in spite of risk, to use their influence, afforded by their positions, to do the next right thing.

As moms, we all feel a burden of love for our children, a love capable of strengthening us for great sacrifice. When it comes to our families, we act out of this love, doing the next right thing to the best of our ability.
 
Whether you’re changing diapers or doing the uncomfortable work of disciplining, I believe God has placed us all, intentionally, where we are for “such a time as this.” But because we are not only mothers, but daughters of the King, there will be different seasons.
 
I don’t know about you, but lately I feel my season changing. My heart is being stirred in new directions. Some of you may feel a calling to lead, some to build, some to write, serve, speak...the list is as broad as our giftings.
 
If you find yourself uncertain of your purpose for the season you’re in, consider Esther and Nehemiah—neither of them were given imperative commands into their calling. The expectation was that, no matter the season, they—and we—would act in love.
 
Sometimes God gives us solid words, other times He stirs our hearts in the direction of what is breaking His.
 
Where is my heart stirring out of love for others?
What can I do about it?
What does love require of me?
 
These questions weighed on me as I completed this past week’s reading. I am not currently being called to anything that would risk my life. But what about my comfort? Security? Status? Schedule? Pride?
 
Love required my daughter to sacrifice for her friend. My sister in Christ, what does love require from you?
 
Prayerfully consider over the next few days if you will allow God to stir your heart for what is breaking His. Ask Him to give you strength, fueled by love for all those made in His image, so you will be willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to be able to do the next right thing.

About the Author

Hi, I'm Martha Rudolph! I have been married for 14 years to my husband, John. We live Northwest of Atlanta with our four children, ages 13, 11, 6 and 6 (yes, that's right— twins!). Our family is on a journey that continues to teach me about God's love and faithfulness on the mountaintop, in the valley, and everywhere in between. I love being outside, sipping coffee, and finding quiet moments to steal away and write about how God reveals Himself through the course of everyday life.

Connect with Martha at www.martharudolph.weebly.com

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