“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:3-8
These words from the Apostle Paul should be on my bathroom mirror, my refrigerator door, on the visor of my truck and engraved inside my heart to daily remind me that God is intending to use me to do His work, His way and in His time; and not revel in the meaningless paper accomplishments this world gives to me.
Is your gift listed in the above verses? It must be there in those choices that Paul provides. If you think that your mind, hands, eyes and skills you have been given cannot accomplish any of those choices, then you really need to consider the attached photo. This is the bathroom that ‘somebody’ constructed at Petite Paridis Lutheran school in Port-au-Prince. It may not look like much when compared to the standards of North America but it is a blessing to the children attending school there as they don’t have to go outside and squat in a nearby ditch.
For the children attending school you are the blessing, your blessings bring them food to eat each day as they are learning about a gracious God who is preparing each of them to go and do His work with what they have been given at birth. Thank you for answering His call and using the blessings He has entrusted with you.
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay