Use Me
As we started a new church service last year, I was never more excited than when someone would come to me and offer assistance.
Reference: v.9 However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” (NIV Bible)
Explore: The New Year brings a great opportunity for reflection as well as expectation. As you look back on the year that has been, you are able to see the bigger picture. I know that as I look over the ebbs and flows of the last year I can now appreciate the perspective of the whole twelve months. I can rejoice that the difficult times were only for a season and I now know what I have learnt from such times. I can also celebrate the new friendships and the deepening relationships that happened over the year. But I think it’s dangerous to look back without looking forward. The questions I ask myself now is, ‘What was God preparing within me last year so that He can use me more this coming year?’ We can never know exactly what is going to happen to us in the next month, let alone the next year. But I believe that if we are open to God working in our lives then He will use us for His glory.
Application: As we started a new church service last year, I was never more excited than when someone would come to me and offer assistance. A new attender offered to contribute to our music, a young adult offered to assist with a youth program, a parent offered to bring along some food. None of these things sound like rocket science but they all contributed to building a positive congregation. And what’s more, it showed me that they were committed to our little faith community because they were willing to contribute. As I start this New Year, I want to show God that I am committed to Him by showing that I’m willing to contribute. I don’t know what this year holds for me, but I am willing to open myself up to say to God, ‘Use me!’
Prayer: Lord, use me! Whatever gifts I have, I give back to You. Whatever resources I have, I offer them back to You. And whatever faith I have, I recommit to living for You. Amen.
What are your hopes and dreams for this coming year? What are you prepared to say to God as the year begins?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.