Serving God Without Conditions

It is one thing to follow God’s way of service if you are regarded as a hero, but quite another thing if the road marked out for you by God requires becoming a “doormat” under other people’s feet. God’s purpose may be to teach you to say, “I know how to be abased…” (Philippians 4:12). Are you ready to be sacrificed like that? Are you ready to be less than a mere drop in the bucket— to be so totally insignificant that no one remembers you even if they think of those you served? Are you willing to give and be poured out until you are used up and exhausted— not seeking to be ministered to, but to minister? Some saints cannot do menial work while maintaining a saintly attitude, because they feel such service is beneath their dignity. - Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest

Personally, my greatest desire is to always walk in the will of God (Matthew 26:39) and fulfill the purpose that God has planned for me. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Have you ever known someone who had to have things go their way or they would withdraw from whatever was going on?  It might be a game, work, ministry, or perhaps a relationship.  Or maybe you are that person. If we live our lives as Christians in that way, we have a conditional faith? Demanding that things go our way if we are to comply with what God has called us to.  While serving in Haiti, I visited a pastor in a remote village in Southwestern Haiti some years ago, Donglise (Dawn gleece).  The pastor was not well.  I prayed for him.  Not to just that he be healed but that God would give him the health he needed to do what God had called him to.  It is not important for any of us to be completely healed of our infirmities, although that would be a good thing.  But we should ask that God would give us the strength we need to accomplish His purposes through us.  And if He does nothing, some would say it is because we lacked faith.  But I would contend that the healing does not matter with respect to our call from God. We must continue to serve in spite of it. 

For the past three days, I have been working with a good friend who is helping me with a task the Lord has given me. The task. in and of itself, may see small. I am making napkin holders from oak wood with the engraving of a Cross and the word "Faith" on the front. The purpose is that the recipients, widows, would be reminded daily that God is faithful and we must live by faith.  We are working outside and the temperatures have been over 100 degrees. I told my friend that it matters not that the ones who will be gifted these holders may never know our names or that we labored in sweltering heat so they might be encouraged. My joy is found in my obedience to our Lord's call to visit the widows in their affliction - James 1:27. With that thought I am reminded of what Paul wrote to the Church in Corinth.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 

The absence of adversity is not affirmation that you are in the will of God. Steadfast obedience in the face of that adversity is.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone