2 Corinthians 9:8-11
God can pour on the
blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and
everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one
psalmist puts it,
He throws caution to the winds,
giving to the needy in reckless abandon.
His right-living, right-giving ways
never run out, never wear out.
This
most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for
your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you
can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God,
wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way,
producing with us great praise to God.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugeterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO.
All rights reserved.
Have
you ever had a morning when you woke up, and your first thought was,
“How many hours is it until I can crawl back into this bed and sleep?”
There are days when we are so mentally and physical spent that even
several hours of “sleep” are not enough. The first inclination is that
this day will be wasted…we will be lazy and/or worthless. But even on
your most weary day, God is working behind the scenes…and He can use you
to bless others.
How is this possible? What does it cost you to
pray? Can you utter a petition for His love and care for another
person? Then you have been a blessing. Can you send an e-mail of
encouragement to someone? BOOM! You have blessed and served in God’s
name? Can you take care of yourself and rest, so that the next day, you
have the energy and capacity to do more for yourself, others – and
God’s Kingdom? Then you have your “mission” for this day!
We
underestimate the ways that God can use us…and we most certainly
misjudge the ways that God works in our lives behind the scenes – and
uses that for His glory. The tiniest “seed” sown into us can blossom
into something huge for the Kingdom of Heaven. Our church’s Director of
Children’s Ministries was rushed to a major hospital yesterday with a
brain bleed. Even from her hospital bed, we can see God’s hand at work
in and through her, as countless friends and loved ones have rallied to
exchange reports, share corporate and individual prayers for her – and
pray for the dozens of unknown medical personnel who are involved in her
care. Imagine the ripple effect of these actions…the “seeds” that have
been scattered in all directions as a result of this terrible event.
And the work - and God’s blessings and glory - continue by the minute!
So
don’t sell yourself short. Recognize how powerful God’s work is in
each of our lives. Realize that even in the midst of something as
serious as a brain bleed, God can use you! On your worst day when you
want to roll over and pull the covers back over your head, you can still
utter a prayer of healing, comfort and care for another – and God can
do incredible things with that simple utterance!
God can
pour on the blessings in astonishing ways…we just have to be open and
receptive to His efforts. Are you ready for anything…willing to be
generous in any way that you can…and open to the work of God in and
through your life? Will this be the day that you begin to truly produce
great praise for God?
Ask God to soften your heart – to open
your eyes and ears to the ways that He wants to use you, regardless of
your circumstances or condition. Remind yourself that with God, all things are possible…and prepare to “scatter some seeds” and blessings in His name - every single day.
©2015 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment