How Do We Steward Well?
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Matthew 25:13 (NIV)
The red light flashing on the monitor above, where his body quietly lay, silently warned of what was ahead. Slowly, the dawn was rising. Days had quickly transitioned from hours to minutes. After almost three days by his side, I signaled to my brother. Things are changing. Now is the time. Gently, we held our uncle's hands as we kissed his pale head. Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord. He quickly and peacefully slipped out of our hands and into His Father's above.
Tuesday started like I expected: an abbreviated quiet time, the kids off to school, and me out the door to my uncle's house. Because they moved him up, I hoped to run a few Christmas errands after his four-hour infusion appointment. But life took a hard right turn. Instead of shopping, wrapping, and cooking, I sat bewildered by his side for days, waiting. But also utterly aware of the sacred opportunity God entrusted to those he loved.
More than ever, God teaches how to love Him with open hands. Open to what He gives without clinging to what we want. Learning to let go of expectations and plans and trust where He leads.
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the master who entrusts his wealth to his servants while he is away. To the first, he entrusts five talents, the second 2 talents, and the third one talent. The master rewarded the first two servants for growing His treasure but harshly rebuked the third for squandering the opportunity.
One day, God will ask for a return on His investment. How did we use the time, energy, and resources He entrusted to us for His Kingdom and glory? Will He reward or rebuke us?
Let's ponder the truth of the parable as we consider the New Year. What yes do we need to offer? Maybe it’s an intentional yes or an unexpected yes. How can we use our time, energy, and resources for the Kingdom in 2024?
God may lead some in unexpected ways that lead to sacred moments. He may ask you to hide in the secret place of the Most High, growing deeper in His Word or more fervent in your prayers. Or maybe He'll close the door to what feels safe but is stagnant. Regardless, all of us need to seek God with open hands. Open to where He leads without clinging to what we want—trusting to serve in the stillness as much as the light.
At Freed to Flourish, we also seek God with open hands, grateful for what He has done, and excited for where He leads. In 2023, God graciously used Freed to Flourish to speak truth through articles, social media, guest writers, and the Speak Truth Women's Conference. Next year, Freed to Flourish will pivot, excited to follow where God leads. Ultimately, we all want to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:13). So, you'll see fewer articles emailed as we reserve the blog for messages requiring more significant content, but you'll notice a more dynamic social media presence.
We look forward to offering deep truths in bite-size pieces in 2024 and a few surprises along the way.
But most importantly, we hope to root women in God's truth to find the freedom to flourish in 2024. Let us know how God's leading you or how you want to flourish more in 2024.
We'll pray over every comment shared below or on social media this week.