For many years while walking as a believer both in church and in daily life, I’ve been curious when I see people serving in places where God has told me He didn’t call them. Now, at first, I assumed He only pointed it out to me so I would always come to Him before I committed to anything. Not wanting to walk outside of His anointing, I have at times spent a lot of time pressing into His heart to make sure I only serve where He’s called and anointed me to serve. Otherwise, it’s a big waste of time and robs from my family because inevitably they are the ones that would suffer the most. Lately though, I’ve been increasingly aware of this again. So, first I examined my own life and asked God if I needed to step out of anything in which I’m currently involved. He didn’t say to lay anything down, but still He was highlighting some ideas about this subject so I knew He was trying to tell me something, and then I came across this today….
I read someone describing the dangers of being too busy. They talked about when they first came to the Lord and signed up to do too many things “for Him” and were neglecting time “with Him” because of it. Then she said something that struck my spirit. She said, she was frustrated in all those things because they were works of the flesh. She explained that “works of the flesh” are things we do without God’s power flowing through us. What an eye-opening thought. I too, believe that is true.
All my life, I thought works of the flesh were just sinful things we struggle with, you know, bad things. I had never considered they are “good things” done outside of His presence and our anointing. But now that I heard it described this way, I know it’s true.
I think we all need to be very aware of where God is calling us to serve. Just because there is a need, it doesn’t mean we are the one to fill it. Now, I am aware that this may grate against some of you. I’m not trying to make anyone angry however, I am just trying to provoke you to assess your life and ask God if you are serving where He has called you to serve or are you serving just to feel better about yourself? Or are you serving so you look good to others? I’m pretty sure most of us have been guilty of this from time to time.
Please don’t misinterpret this devo. Please do not use this as an excuse to stay further disconnected from your church body or His calling for your life. He will call you, but if you’re already too busy with other things, will you listen? I want to be certain that I am only ministering in the capacity He has called me.
God, forgive me for any time I have walked outside of Your calling and anointing in my life. Lord, I want to be “all in” wherever You call me. Help me say “no” when I need to, so that when my “yes” comes I will be available. Lord, help me to stay flexible and ready. Steep me in Your love. Steep me in Your anointing. I am willingly giving myself to You. I adore You, in Jesus name, Amen.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:14
365 Days in the Presence 