Thursday, March 5, 2015

Finding My Serving Niche


However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. (‭Acts‬ ‭20‬:‭24‬ NIV)

I love today's devotional because it is perfect for where I am with God today. I want to be in meaningful ministry. What does that look like? I am beginning to see what that might be...although He will lead and guide and direct.

Here is a direct quote from Chambers today.

Joy comes from seeing the complete fulfillment of the specific purpose for which I was created and born again, not from successfully doing something of my own choosing. The joy our Lord experienced came from doing what the Father sent Him to do. And He says to us, “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). Have you received a ministry from the Lord? If so, you must be faithful to it— to consider your life valuable only for the purpose of fulfilling that ministry.

I already spoke to a pastor at my church about this. She heads up Celebrate Recovery at our church. I really felt lead to speak to her...and now I am waiting to see what happens next. I always figured that the Lord had me go through what I went through for a reason.  You see, I spent about 15 years of my life in spiritual bondage. The Lord brought me to a place of recovery. Now I want others to reach the same place of recovery. Maybe I can help them reach that place by sharing what the Lord did for me.

I also think of how Joseph went through his horrible trial. His brothers were worried about him retaliating against them, but this is how Joseph reacted.

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭19-20‬ NIV)

Now I feel the same way. I no longer regret what happened to me. I no longer feel trapped by sorrow. I know that the Lord had a purpose for it. I will not lament things not working out to what I once thought would have been a better way. Maybe I can help others who are trapped in the lies of Satan.

We each have to find a niche in life, and spiritually we find it when we receive a ministry from the Lord. To do this we must have close fellowship with Jesus and must know Him as more than our personal Savior. And we must be willing to experience the full impact of Acts 9:16 — “I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”


Am I willing to suffer more for his name sake?

2 comments:

  1. *sigh*
    So often I struggle against the suffering rather than seek after what God is accomplishing in my heat and life. I'm so glad He doesn't respond to me in the way I so often am tempted (and often do) respond to those around me. It is only by His grace and mercy that we are not consumed.

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