Our Willingness!

To be USEFUL for something provides a sense of purpose in living. However, living "for me" is not a very high purpose. Living for others is definitely more noble. But living for God is even greater yet. Actually, living for God ultimately helps keep the focus on others and ourselves in proper perspective.

When God called the prophet Isaiah to become His messenger, we read. . .
"And I heard the voice of the Lord say, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'HERE AM I! SEND ME.'" ( Isaiah 6:8 ESV)

Isaiah was willing. Though his work would be challenging due to the unwillingness of so many to listen ( Isaiah 6:9-10), he faithfully carried God's message and warnings to the nation. This was the purpose for which God called him.

When we consider our own willingness to serve whatever purpose an opportunity with others might present, should we not develop a similar attitude that responds, "HERE AM I! USE ME!"? Perhaps we would do well to ask ourselves, "Am I purposely at this place at this time because God wants to use me?" Or even, "Has God provided this opportunity for a purpose beyond my comprehension?"

Remember Paul's exhortation regarding "opportunity" where he wrote. . .
"(9) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (10) So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." ( Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)

Implied here by Paul is that the reaping (or benefit) may not be immediate. It will come "in due season". Therefore we should guard against allowing the lack of visual impact to cause us to "give up"! The time for doing is "as we have opportunity" while we recognize the doing of good is "to everyone"; making no distinction of persons, though Paul did still note the special connection there is among believers.

As we begin the day in prayer for God's guidance through whatever might be the experiences of it, may we do so with a sincere openness to respond, "HERE AM I! USE ME!" Imagine having a heart genuinely willing to even be inconvenienced to the glory of God! What a privilege is ours to be USED BY GOD in service to His glory and praise.

Have a great day LIVING AS GOD'S SERVANT!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Opportunity