Monday Memo 301: Huh?

In Monday Memo 290, I raised the issue of focusing on the question "what?" rather than "how?" I think I would like to revisit that topic again this week. You may want to go back and read issue 290 before you proceed but, if not, then let's get started.

HOW?

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she was pregnant with Jesus, he delivered the "what" to that young girl. She was to give birth to a Son and He would change the world. This would be a lot of "what" information to deliver to anyone, let alone a young teenage girl. But like so many of us, Mary immediately began to think of the "how."

"How will this be," Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34).

The angel was patient with this young girl, more patient than he had been with her cousin's husband Zechariah, who was unable to talk for nine months after he asked "How?". The angel told Mary:

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you" (Luke 1:35).

I contend that Mary had no more information after the angel answered than before she asked. To understand what I mean, read on.

HUH?

Mary could have responded to the angel, "Huh?" When we hear "Holy Spirit," we have a well-developed theology to understand who He is. Mary, however, had no such thing. When the angel answered her question "how" with, "The Holy Spirit will take care of it," she still had no idea what that meant. Do you see how this relates to your current situation?

You know what you want to do, and you may even know your purpose. But you want to know how? How will your book be published? How will your singing career be launched? How will you get the money to start your business? How can you pay for your degree? How will you find your life partner? The answer to every question you can pose is the same as the answer that Mary received: The Holy Spirit will do it! The angel added these words for good measure; "For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37).

So if the answer to your question is the same as Mary received, then your response should perhaps be the same as Mary's:

"I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said" (Luke 1:38).

The angel told Mary in so many words, "You just focus on the what. Let God handle the how." That was good advice then and it's good advice now.

Do you see how liberating this is for you? You can focus on getting ready for the what and leave the how in God's hands. You can enjoy the journey, even your PurposeQuest, because you don't to have all the answers. You just have to sit back and watch it all unfold.

Now that I've made your life easier, you can enjoy a what-filled week while you leave the how to Him.

Feel free to add your comments to this entry on the site where it is posted.

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Glen McQuirk and his Purpose Club organization have invited me to participate in a Purpose Breakaway in the tropical island of Mauritius this coming September. We will enjoy a week of fun and sun, while also spending some time daily addressing purpose issues in group settings. What a great idea! It occurred to me that you may be interested in participating. If so, go to the Purpose Club website, click on events and then on breakaway. For more information after you review the site, write Glen at [email protected]. See you in Mauritius this September for a special PurposeQuest experience.

Comments

[Matthew Brooks]

This Monday Memo is inspiring!

I feel like i have so much to do and a lot that God has placed the desire in me to do but it often seems impossible!

I can now focus on what i'm supposed to do and let God work out how it's gonna happen! I just have to leave myself open and also be prepared for when He is ready to walk me through the path of HOW to my destination!

Thanks for another great Monday Memo Dr. Stanko!

God Bless!

Matt Brooks

[Lorraine]

Dear John,

I want to agree with you.I am completing my degree in September 2007 which i started not knowing how the money would be paid.By God's grace the money will be paid in full.

Lorraine.

[Nicholas Korir]

This memo has really answered a puzzle that I have had for a long time now. Every time I have had a big project, the means to realise it have come along as I immersed myself in it and not before. Thanks for a great memo.