What do you think of when you say, 'Use me, God, for your glory!' Do you think of mission work in a foreign land? Do you think of adopting orphans? Do you envision grandiose works that are just good intentions but are never followed thru with actions and results?
Wherever you are IS a mission field. Matthew 9:37-38 " “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” God gives each of us specific talents but they are not limited to specific places. We have to expand our circle of interest to include our own stomping ground. It is easier to witness to strangers than to our close friends and family. Why? Because Satan intimidates us with doubt. Strangers can be given the Truth and never be seen again. With our close loved ones, we may hesitate for fear of losing them or a change in the relationship. Acts 4:29 "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness." "The threatenings of our enemies, that are designed to weaken our hands and drive us off from our work, should rather stir us up to so much the more courage and resolution in our work." We must be as bold as the believers in front of the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel.
Some say 'Who am I' or 'What can one person accomplish'? The focus needs to switch from what you can't do, to what you can do! We all have something to offer. My blogging to others is my personal way to give of myself for a possible impact on others. I can't physically talk or walk my testimony around the world, but through the internet my faith can possibly witness globally.
The last part of the caption says 'for a purpose greater than myself.' We are commanded ' Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'. So we must think beyond our own salvation and lead others to Christ, as much as we can. For myself, I don't particularly like it when God uses me through sickness, but I have witnessed His work through it on myself and others. Prayers flood His ears, thoughts become more about Him, and recollection of His faithfulness is praised.
Are you willing to be used by God, however big or small? May we all say 'Yes Lord, however You will!'
What a timely message for me. I may (I should find out this week) be missing out on a mission trip to Africa, but I still have options in which to minister and to be a witness. No need to feel like I am abandoned--God's world and mission field is big--from Africa and beyond to my neifghbors around me. Thanks for the kick in the pants, Angie. (from G.)
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