Reflection on
Deuteronomy 3:21–22
Throughout
the wilderness journey, God reminded the Israelites of what he had done in the
past in order to give them courage and hope for the future. As the reins of
leadership were passed from Moses to Joshua, Moses encouraged Joshua with a
review of recent victories. Joshua saw with his own eyes what God did to those
who opposed them. If God has shown himself faithful to this point, he will
surely continue to do so.
God
is the same yesterday, today and forever. When we face intimidating
circumstances in our lives, we can take heart from Moses’ words to Joshua: “Do
not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you”
(Deuteronomy 3:22). God can strengthen and encourage us when we trust in him.
BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE
PLANTED
It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy
An
important concept about the will of God that my students hear at seminary is,
"Bloom where you are planted." Be the best you can be at your present
assignment, and stay there until God calls you elsewhere.
Oftentimes
my students will say, "There are no openings to serve at my church!"
My response, "Oh, yes there are. They're probably begging for someone to
teach third-grade boys." The momentary silence reveals this thought:
"But anyone can teach third-grade boys. I had something bigger in
mind." Like maybe an opening in the Trinity!
Take
the opportunity before you and teach those third-grade boys. Decide to be the
best teacher they've ever had. You may start with only three little boys, but
at the end of that year you've got 12 boys excited about God, Sunday school and
church. Next year, when the personnel committee needs to fill leadership
positions, they say, "We need some new life on the Christian education
committee." Somebody aware of the fruit you are bearing says,
"There's this guy doing a bang-up job with our third graders. Let's ask
him to be on the committee."
Now
that you are on the Christian education committee, decide to be the best
committee member you can be. It won't be long before they recognize your
initiative and say, "We could use this person on the board."
Determine to become the best possible board member you can. Then an opening
develops for an intern and guess who the people suggest! People hearing of your
faithfulness and aware of the fruit you are bearing ask you to consider a
full-time pastoral position. So you become the best youth pastor, small group
pastor, or college minister you can possibly be. Before long you'll be bearing
so much fruit that other churches will be inquiring about your availability.
God
guides those who bloom where they are planted.
Prayer: I want to be
faithful in the small things, Lord, so You will advance me to greater
responsibilities in Your timing and according to Your will.
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