Someone recently told me they felt like God was using everyone else but them, and that they felt like they couldn’t make a difference where they were at.
My first question is: Do you really want God to use you?
Now don’t just say yes because you feel obliged - think about this one. Think about the consequences. It will cost you time, energy, money. It will require you to lay your own agenda down. You might get hurt - physically and emotionally. Don’t believe me? Mark 8:34 says “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”.
If you are one of the few willing to lay down your life and take the challenge God is presenting you with, keep reading.
Before we go on; this is NOT a how-to. I’m not God, I can’t tell you what you do, and frankly if you did take my word for it I’d be worried. This is something you need to pray and listen about. OK? Good.
But know this: When you make the choice to follow God (to find out what He says and make your choices on that), things will start happening. When you say yes to God’s calling instead of no, your life will not be the same.
A week or so ago, I read a text about the fruits of the Spirit. It used an example I rather liked, and one I’m gonna share with you: “If you want more patience; pray for it, but don’t expect six ounces of patience to suddenly fall down in your lap. Don’t say “God, I need patiende, NOW!”, and expect an answer. Instead, God might give you opportunities to be patient.” In the same way, God gives you opportunities to make a difference. Opportunities you have to choose whether to decline or accept.
I realize not all of you are in a position to fly to Haiti and help rescue people, but that doesn’t mean God can’t use you! There is always a way to be a reflection of Christ - regardless of location, age and financial situation.
Also, some times, God’s plan for us is to learn more about who He is and get to know Him better. I’m not saying you shouldn’t! We don’t all have the same calling. Pray and ask God to show you what yours is, if you haven’t already, and trust Him to show you.
I have a challenge for you. Ask God to give you those opportunities to reall do something for His kingdom. Ask him to work through you. And here comes the challenging part: When opportunities do come along - whether it’s sharing the Gospel with someone, leading or participating in something at church, say yes. Make the choice to be Christ’s hands and feet. It might mean you have less time to watch Friends and Grey’s Anatomy, but that might be your cross to bear - I don’t know.
The question remains: Do you really want to be a reflection of Christ in this world?
