But, Lord, I don’t want to.
Have you ever said that to your Lord? I have. Ask yourself: “Is He Lord over your decision?” “Is He Lord over your life?”
Recently I talked about being on the shelf. (See On the Shelf) So, learning my new area of service should be—will be–wonderful. But what if I don’t like my new assignment?
It is God who decides our area of service. He gives each of us gifts that we are to use in His service, to build up the body of Christ. Some of us are feet, some eyes, some less presentable parts of Christ’s body.
So what if He gives me an area of service that reflects me as a lowly, less presentable part of the body? I am—you are—His, and in service to Him. It is His choice.
And it is GOD who rewards faithful service.
I wonder if Paul didn’t have his first choice of a ministry. Paul!
“For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh…” (Romans 9:3)
Paul passion and anguish for his fellow Jews was deep and genuine, extending even to willingness for eternal self-sacrifice (which Paul knew wasn’t possible).
Yet God did not give Paul a ministry to the Jews for whom Paul had such devotion.
Instead, God sent Paul to the Gentiles, including to the Corinthians who gave Paul such heartache. Yet Paul was faithful in his ministry to them.
“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart…” (2 Corinthians 4:1)
Has God given you an area of service that you really don’t want? Remember God’s mercy to you: He
- Called you
- Saved you
- Justified you
- Is sanctifying you
- Will glorify you.
Let’s be conscious of His mercy towards you and me, thank Him for the opportunity to serve Him in whatever way He wants, and be faithful.
