Few of us are called to formal full-time ministry positions as an occupation. However, each one of us are all called to serve and be a witness, wherever we are, regardless of our title or position. We can show His love to those around us as we teach children, manage households, check groceries, pick up garbage, sell insurance, prepare and serve meals, enforce the law, volunteer and so on. Our occupation does not limit how God can utilize us for His glory, right where we are, currently.
“Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him.” – (I Corinthians 7:17)
“Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.” – (I Corinthians 7:20)
“Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.” – (I Corinthians 7:24)
When repetition occurs in scripture, I tend to take notice. Three times Paul said nearly the same thing to the people of Corinth. Though his words were in the specific context of marriage, I believe it applies to every area of our lives. God will use us wherever we have been called, right now, not when we obtain a certain status or position. What He calls us to, He will use us to work through, if we are willing and available to be obedient to whatever He asks of us. There are days when it seems impossible that He could utilize me to reach another, yet it is in those spots of the strongest struggle, that His strength is shown and progress is made known. May we trust Him where we are, and be open to opportunities to touch lives as we love as He loves us.
Each of us called,
to serve where we are;
no need to wait,
He’s brought us this far.
Not by our strength,
but rather, by His;
trust Him to lead,
He’ll do what He says.
In all we do,
to God, let it be;
we too were bound,
’til He set us free.
Let His love lead,
and His Spirit guide;
with hearts open,
His peace realized.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to the spaces where we are, even when they don’t always make sense. Thank You that You are our strength in the struggle and our help and hope. Thank You that You use us for Your glory, regardless of our lot in life, if we are willing to serve You. Forgive us for thinking we have to reach a certain position or knowledge base, or for being fearful of mankind. Teach us to trust You to give us wisdom, words and all that we need, to love and serve, wherever we are called to be. May we touch lives and transform communities through faithfully serving where we are called, and may all glory and honor be given to You. Thank You that You love us where we are, yet continue to grow us more deeply in You. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.
Father, I thank You that You have heard me. – John 11:41
Revelations In Writing 