Serving God

Serving God – Insight from God’s Word
How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for those who fear You, which You bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in You. In the shelter of Your presence You hide them from the intrigues of men; in Your dwelling place You keep them safe from accusing tongues. - Psalm 31:19–20

Serving God – Is it Coincidence or God's Pattern
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I quietly sit in this sacred place of Your Presence, I find my heart being turned inward. As I quietly reflect on Your grace and Your mercy, which is the path on which I have journeyed, I have a sense of reverential awe flowing deep within. It is becoming clearer each day how the processes of my life have led me to this quiet place of understanding, where today I am feeling a new sense of empowerment leading me to take one more step of faith into the darkness of the unknown.

I am grateful as I recognize that even though I wasn’t fully ready to assume new tasks for You, You allowed me to make a beginning. Step by step, You drove me closer and You led me down the path of Your choice. As I look about me, I see so many gifted people still afraid to take their first new step of faith into the unknown. I also see many others who are laboring in a field where their true gifts are not being utilized, and as a result, they are growing cold. I am grateful that You got me through my own seasons of struggle where both of these things were true for me. My heart pounds as I recognize how you saved and nourished me throughout those years by drawing me into a more intimate relationship with You.

How awesome are Your ways Lord! How mysterious are Your secrets! It is incredible to recognize You desire to share them with us so we can use them for Your glory. Particularly, I am recognizing the people You have placed along my journey, every one of them exactly who I needed for that particular season of my faith walk. I didn’t recognize much of this at the time it was happening, but as I look back, I recognize how You were growing me up, challenging my willingness to persevere. So many times just before I was ready to give up and run, You sent a message to me through one of those people that sustained me through the difficult times.

How do I thank a God who knows exactly what I need, who I need, and when I need it? All I can do is stay true to the path on which I now walk, knowing that at the end of that journey will be a new and exciting commission. Today, I know You will never fail me. I know from past history that You will provide the people and resources I need to fulfill my commission.

I no longer walk in fear, but rather in anticipation of greatness. I recognize my dependence on You and I recognize the people You bring to me during each season of my journey. My prayer today is for my brothers and sisters who find themselves in seasons of confusion. I pray they would spend some time looking back at their journals so they can recognize Your hand on their journey. I pray they will hold on tightly to their own personal integrity -- especially during theses difficult seasons -- and I ask You to send people into their lives who can journey with them. I know, Jesus, when You choose people with whom we are to journey, nothing can stop us as we work together to accomplish Your purposes.

I also pray Lord for Your divine inspiration to permeate their hearts with a fresh new resolve to turn their hearts, eyes, and ears to Your wavelength. I pray also that during those times when their circumstances don’t seem to match up with their own hopes and dreams, they will trust You for the outcome. We are not worthy to serve You, yet, You still choose to use us. May all we do reflect Your great heart so people will be drawn to Your bright light of truth. Thank You, Jesus!

Serving God – Making it Personal
Reflect: I would encourage you to spend some time reflecting on your own spiritual walk to this moment in time. We have much to learn from the circumstances of our past. These situations have molded us into the people we are today. We need to be able to recognize God’s involvement along that path with grateful hearts. I challenge you to recognize that you are learning from the Master Himself every day as He personally takes you by the hand and points your way. Take a look at all the “coincidences” of your life and you will soon see God’s pattern. Be sure to journal your findings, as one day they will all make perfect sense.