I remember back when I first became a Christian, I went along to a ladies’ conference. I was so inspired by the guest speaker; I remember so clearly praying for God to use me, please use me! My heart ached to understand what God wanted to do with my life so that it would have significance and purpose.
Many verses in the Bible promise me that God created me with purpose. Even without God, I think it’s a very reasonable thing to want to have significance in life. So I don’t believe that it was unusual for me to get excited about how all the hardship I had been through in life could have prepared me, and been used in some way for God’s glory to advance the kingdom.
I guess for a long time, I searched for the thing God would place so heavily on my heart. The thing my heart ached to make right, or the talent or gifting I would shine bright with, and really make a difference in a specific area.
I admit I probably gave growing and developing that desire, priority over growing my relationship with God. But God is gracious and, as the good Gardner he is, he pruned those little, unnecessary sprigs away that I had been trying to grow myself. Then I began to focus on our relationship and my understanding of his heart for me.
This week
As news of the coronavirus spreading all over the world, and the effect and devastation sending shockwaves through every element of society; it seems to be the hot topic on everyone’s lips. I found myself getting really irritated by the fifty conversations a day I’m having about coronavirus. I’m not a doctor, or scientist, or a politician. I’m a Christ-follower.
I don’t have the power to control prices in the supermarkets; it not my decision to open or close schools or to put the country into lockdown. I’m not in a position to test or treat sufferers or come up with a vaccine and, thankfully, none of that is my responsibility.
But as a Christ-follower, I do have some responsibility. I believe that God is calling me to and that’s to shine
“Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes.”
Romans 12:2 TPT
Stand out Don’t blend into the crowd, Stay Calm not to panic and stress, to bulk buy and fight in supermarkets. Be wise in my efforts to contain the virus. Pray for the sick. Love others less well off, to share, and sacrifice what I can, not to be selfish and greedy, but leave enough for others. Respect people in authority and their decisions. Mostly to Trust in God
“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.”
Philippians 4:6-7 MSG
If, like me, you have ever longed to know your purpose in the kingdom.
THIS IS IT! you were created for a time like this.
When the world has plummeted into darkness, panic, and uncertainty be different, stand out! Be a beacon of light that shines bright and guides people to the love of Jesus.
“Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all. It refuses to be jealous when blessing comes to someone else. Love does not brag about one’s achievements nor inflate its own importance. Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honour. Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offence. Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong. Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 TPT
