Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Do You Like Where God Has You?

My Utmost For His Highest
 
‘Joy comes from seeing the complete fulfillment of the specific purpose for which I was created and born again, not from successfully doing something of my own choosing. […] We each have to find a [spiritual] niche in life. […] To do this we must have close fellowship with Jesus and must know Him as more than our personal Savior. […]  “Do you love Me?” Then, “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17). He is not offering us a choice of how we can serve Him; He is asking for absolute loyalty to His commission, a faithfulness to what we discern when we are in the closest possible fellowship with God. […] the need is not the same as the call— the need is the opportunity to exercise the call. […] you must be sensitive to what God has called you to do, and this may sometimes require ignoring demands for service in other areas.’ CHAMBERS
 
I have shared this in the past, but I think it is worth sharing again. When we were serving in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina, many of the volunteers were interested in the whys and wherefores of our service and ministry.  Serving on short term missions very often sparks feelings and new spiritual understanding in those serving that they have never experienced.  Particularly if that service is done in the midst of a calamity or in the face of overwhelming need and depravation.  And so, the questions … why did we decide to come to Mississippi or, now, Haiti?  How long would we be there? Very often we would hear expressions of amazement that we had “given up” so much to do what we do .. and with much regret, they don’t think they could.
 
One day, someone asked us if we “liked” being in Mississippi.  On reflection I answered “There is nothing better than being in the center of God’s will for your life.  Geography has nothing to do with it. So we love being in Mississippi.”  Now, God has turned our hearts toward Haiti.  That is the place we love to be.  “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”   1 Timothy 6:6  If you focus your life on God, you will find contentment, no matter where you are or what is happening around you.  That is why Paul could sing hymns in jail.  Why he could encourage the saints while he was in prison in Rome.
 
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

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