Years ago Elisabeth Elliot quoted a poem on her radio show that resonated with her listeners and changed the way women handled stresses in their day-to-day lives. The poem, “Do the Next Thing,” is penned by an unknown writer, yet the message has become universal. You can read the poem here. Ms. Elliot was no stranger to hard times – her husband Jim Elliot was murdered by the Auca Indians in the early 1950’s. She kept doing the next thing and lived an extraordinary life in service to the Lord.
Between Malachi 4.6 and Matthew 1.1 is a span of over 400 years. Because there were no inspired prophets in Israel during this time, they are known as the “silent years.” Perhaps silent, but definitely not inactive, events took place which providentially prepared the way for the coming of Christ and the proclamation of The Gospel.
Let’s make this relevant to our lives!
Go here to read the rest of the story as I share at One Thing Alone…
love the YELLOW DOOR!!!! i have red but i LOVE The YELLOW (my next favorite – or maybe the next after green …so hard to choose) I am inspired to buy some spray paint today!!
i had never read this poem by EE – I have read that quote by Chambers – wonder if she got it from him? Trust God and do the next thing. Always, always a gentle comfort and bit of direction. What’s your next thing, btw, besides painting? mine is the dentist and then to redo a book proposal – hard for me to sit still long enough but it’s the next thing (oh and then coffee with a darling new acquaintance from Germany at 2!) see why it’s hard to sit still?
My next thing is lunch hour….and maybe start painting the next door!!! xo