2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NIV)
17 But, “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
18 For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
How available do you make yourself to other people? Do you say that you’re willing to do something and then you don’t make yourself available for the task at hand? God truly wants us to make ourselves available to those in need.
I recently spent time at the homeless shelter and what a real blessing it is to those who have a need. Just by spending a few hours with someone who may feel they have no one can make a big difference in their life and how the perceive other people. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone to minister to those who have needs?
We all want something in our lives. Sometimes the very things that we want are not given to us because we want them in the wrong way. If we are looking to get something from the relationship or the friendship, then we are not doing it out of love for another person. The Lord has a way of teaching us how to give than to receive.
I find that when I do something for another person, then most likely I receive as big a blessing from it than they do. My willingness to give of my time makes a huge impact on the other person and they begin to see that not all people are out to get something from them. They are able to give something back to another person.
Recently I had a visit from a Jehovah’s Witness. A young Mother and her son approached my home and I carefully listened to what she had to say and in turn her son wanted to share about God’s love with me. He was so cute and I thanked them for their willingness to do what they had been called to do. Even though it’s a little different from what I do in God’s kingdom, it is what they feel called to do. What I received from it was also a blessing and a revelation that I also have something to give to other people. I also shared with her about what I enjoy about children and their willingness to want to share with others about God’s love. As she was leaving she said to me, “Be blessed.” And I too, wanted her to be blessed by her faithfulness.
Even though we may not being the same thing as someone else, we must know that we are doing what we are called to do and that no two people do things the same thing. Each person has to know their true calling and to recognize it when we are called and act upon it.
Sometimes we can bless many people and sometimes it may be just one. If you are open to hear and receive then we too will be blessed. Don’t ever feel that you have nothing to give. God teaches us many things in his timing and what you do in the meantime is the most important thing.
Contentment with where you are is something that has really become clear to me. Even though I may not have all things I truly want and desire right now, God has a greater plan. I can’t make something happen and I can’t become God, because that is his job. I don’t have to do anything but I can do what he wants me to do and serve with a grateful heart.
My prayer for you today is to recognize where God has called you and where he’s trying to lead you. In your faithfulness, you will receive the blessings that he so very much wants to give you.
written 9-07-07
