Responsibility is defined by Dictionary.com as the state or fact of being responsible, answerable, or accountable for something within one’s power, control, or management.
Sometimes I think that, as people, we are so used to taking on responsibility we’ve forgotten who is actually responsible. Our beautiful hearts have good intentions. After all, we are compassionate and caring. Somehow, in the midst of it, we’ve added pressure and stress to our lives that doesn’t belong to us. Added to this is the realization that by taking on other people’s responsibility we prevent them from being empowered or encountering God.
I understand because I go there regularly with the best of intentions. I’m not so convinced it is worth the pressure or stress.
Who’s responsibility is it? God’s or mine?
This question pops up frequently in my mind. A lot is going on in my life. Finances are tight, Sean’s company is rebuilding and Sean is on his spiritual journey. Aaargggg. Enough now. To top it off, my freelance work is slow.
In some ways, I demand a breakthrough, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and my prayers answered. I want to scream at God so he can hear me – I am that frustrated at times.
The hardest part is that I can’t do much more than what I am already doing. Of course, I apply for jobs we feel I will be good at and 
(truthfully, I want to stay a freelance writer; I love it) what my freelance work brings in a good month is way more than what I’d get from a full-time job minus the extra expenses (unless its an amazing job opportunity).
So, I find myself in the position of prayer and waiting. My role is to remain loving, supportive, and kind to my boys and hubby. I do what I can to keep stress down at home. Still, I want to do more. There has to be more, right?
Not necessarily.
The Holy Spirit gently whispers “Is this your responsibility or mine?”
What is my responsibility?
My responsibility is to love my husband and children; to make my home peaceful and clean. I need to keep my family healthy by cooking good healthy wholesome food. I am also responsible for my own happiness, relationship with God, and writing success.
What is God’s responsibility?
Only God can open up business opportunities and change hearts. It’s God’s responsibility to provide and protect my marriage and family. Yes, I do my best to seize opportunities as they arise. Still, only God can give us grace and favor. He alone can open doors for us. His Holy Spirit is responsible to soften hearts, bring change and restoration.
Getting my priorities right
The world, today, is comprised of instant gratification, fear and urgency. It must get done now, or else…..This message is broadcasted into the spiritual atmosphere around us.
Distractions quickly rise. Before I know it, I find myself in a disappointing place. I make idols out of social media, work, escape, etc. I forget my first love as I take on responsibilities and burdens, I was never meant to solve. In the pressure that comes with this, I become an volcano of negative emotions spewing hot lava wherever I walk. My family relationships take strain. No, its not worth this.
Two Scriptures come to my mind…
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
“seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
So, I stop and I breath. This is my responsibility – to thoroughly enjoy God, the life he has given me, and the season I am in. I do all that my hands find to do to the glory of the Lord. I let him do the worrying so I can enjoy my boys , my marriage and my life.
Change is the only constant in life. Worrying about things I can’t fix is futile. I let go. Focusing on Jesus, I take myself off the hook, because the pressure is off. This bump is just a bump. God is with us, therefore, I have peace.
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Great post! Very encouraging. I definitely have to remind myself that I can only do what I can do and then give it to God. The internet definitely adds to the distraction and the impression that others are overflowing with abundance when you feel lacking. Patience and leaving it in God’s hands is the best thing we can do, even though it’s often the hardest thing.
Amen Erin. I love your words of wisdom. So true. It is hard to apply but so worth it. We can trust God, he is faithful.
Ailie I can relate to this post so much. Sometimes we think we have to do it all, but in reality, all we have to do is our best and God will do the rest. I love Psalm 37:4 as well, one of my favorites.
Kimi, I’m glad that it resonated with you. I grew up with my parents telling me to do my best and trust God with the rest. Easier said than done at times.:-)
I love that statement about doing our best and God does the rest. My parents often told me that.
I’m glad you enjoyed the post 🙂
Ailie, I can so relate to these pressures. Delighting ourselves in Him and seeking Him first is key to walking in what He has for us to do.
Thanks Christina. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
Our relationship with responsibility is much like the farmer. He is responsible to sow the seeds, cultivate and care for the plants, and harvest the yield. God does the growing and the multiplying. These times of waiting and transition are difficult. It is good to keep your eyes on what pieces are yours to do and what you must leave up to God.
Love that analogy Kelly. Deep and very true. Wow. Thanks for your words of wisdom