Recently I was thinking about something. My husband’s name is Chris, not Christopher and my dad’s name is Joe, not Joseph. Anytime I speak to someone for an appointment or home loan or business activity, I have to correct people because inevitably they say, “So your husband’s name is Christopher?”. Then I reply, “No it’s just Chris.” Every single time they question me about it as if I don’t really know my own husband’s name. It’s funny.
What does this have to do with anything, you may be asking? Well, it made me think of a correlation. Not every person whose name is Chris, is a Christopher. Not every person whose name is Joe is a Joseph. Likewise, not every good singer is called to be a worship leader and not every good musician is called to the worship team. Not every good speaker is called to be a pastor. Not every good listener is called to be a counselor. Not every good cook is called to be a chef. Some are called to lead, all are called to serve. Some are called to support, all are called to be humble.
We all, no matter what our gifting is, need to spend time in God’s presence to discover where and how He wants us to serve and use that gift. I believe a lot of the gaps in ministry would be filled if we weren’t all trying to fill the same one. If you have a gifting use it, but first ask God where and how He would have you do so. I’m not led by my gifting, I’m led by my Father.
We’ve spoken about this some previously, but since it came up again I felt God wanted to speak on it a second time.
Friend, have you spent time with the Father and asked Him where and how He wants you to serve? Do you simply serve where it’s easiest? Because sometimes, I feel it’s hard so we can develop character. Do you serve only where you perceive the popular ones serve? If so, it’s time for a solid heart check. Do you serve to be seen? Oh, friend, if that’s you it’s time to step aside and ask God what is missing or hurt inside your heart that is causing you to “need” the limelight.
These are hard questions, and honestly, it’s hard for me to so blatantly point these things out, but I’ve been seeing this in God’s heart a lot lately. I encourage you to once again go before the Throne and search out God’s heart for you. He has created you on purpose and for a purpose, you wouldn’t want to waste your whole life pouring into the wrong place, would you?
God, open my eyes. Show me where and how You want to use me. Help me not be afraid to take the road less traveled. Help me to embrace obscurity when necessary. Place inside of me a servant heart, like Jesus had. Make me so confident in Your love and affection for me, that I don’t search for it from the world. Let me be solid in You alone. I adore You. I am Yours, in Jesus name, amen.
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
365 Days in the Presence 