Do the Next Thing

At an old English parsonage down by the sea,

there came in the twilight a message to me

It's quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven that,

as it seems to me, teaching from heaven. 

And all 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 tomorrow, child of the King

trust that 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 by thy demeanor 

In His dear presence, the rest of His calm

the light of His countenance, be thy psalm

Do the next thing. 

-Anonymous

This anonymous poem, made famous by Elisabeth Elliot, seems fitting to remember on the day she passed from this temporary home to her eternal dwelling place. Her life was lived with steadfast determination, to trust and obey, the One who laid down His life for her-no matter what the cost, no matter what the next thing was going to be. As the world mourns this faithful servant of God, all of heaven rejoices over a life lived with an eternal perspective!

Linking with Inspire Me Monday, Monday's Musings and Titus 2 Tuesday