AliIt was 2000 — the year my mother died and a boy broke my heart. And, it was the year a very special woman on an airplane gave me a poem — Do The Next Thing. I will never forget it — the encounter or the poem. Her name was Elisabeth Elliot — famed writer and selfless missionary. I knew of her work, but never expected to meet her on a short plane flight from Ashville, NC to somewhere else.
The poem isn’t hers, though her own body of work is extensive. Instead, it was penned by “author unknown”. Yet its anonymous message resonated so profoundly with Elisabeth that she published, printed, and shared it often at Christian conferences. Including with me, on an airplane.
Its words are an inspiration, especially during times of suffering. And if you know Elisabeth’s story, you know she’s seen suffering — and triumphed. Today she is in glory, while the thousands of little poetry cards she gave to so many still share her heart.
May you take encouragement from these words. ❤️
DO THE NEXT THING
From an old English parsonage, down by the sea
There came in the twilight a message to me;
Its quaint Saxon legend, deeply engraven,
Hath, as it seems to me, teaching from Heaven.
And on through the hours the quiet words ring
Like a low inspiration — “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Many a questioning, many a fear,
Many a doubt, hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from Heaven,
Time, opportunity, guidance, are given.
Fear not tomorrows, Child of the King,
Trust them with Jesus, “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Do it immediately; do it with prayer;
Do it reliantly, casting all care;
Do it with reverence, tracing His Hand
Who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing,
Leave all resultings, “DO THE NEXT THING.”
Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
(Working or suffering) be thy demeanor,
In His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
The light of His countenance be thy psalm,
Strong in His faithfulness, praise and sing,
Then, as He beckons thee “DO THE NEXT THING.”
— author unknown
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE POEM TO GET YOU THROUGH TOUGH TIMES?
I’d love to hear it. Include the title in the comments below and I’ll look it up, and maybe do a post on it.
Don’t give up. You don’t see the whole picture. Jesus does, and He loves you. He knows suffering too. Intimately. Cling to Him. He won’t let go even when you do.
Yours truly, Ali