I love how God can use the most unusable people for his great purpose. Moses, a “clumsy speaker,” was used to lead millions of people. David, a young shepherd boy, became a warrior and king. This was all possible because of God who made us for a purpose and has a plan we would never dream of.
Let me share a personal experience. I’d asked God what to do with the singing voice he gave me, which I wanted to use for his purposes. I sang in church a few times and enjoyed it, but wasn’t sure it was where God wanted me. Finally I asked, “Do you want me to sing in church?” The response was “Not there.” “Then where?” I asked, imagining it would be live jazz somewhere, or maybe writing my own songs …maybe in hospitals. “I’ll show you,” was the reply. All I could do was wait.
One day, a friend asked me, “Have you ever considered singing with the kids in our church program?” I laughed at her. “NO!” I firmly rejected the ridiculous idea. No way in a million years would I do that! ‘Not for me’ I thought. ‘I don’t have the heart for it.’ I’ve never really been one to ‘hang out’ with kids and savor every minute with them. At arms-length and in small doses, kids are fine, but daycare, children’s ministry, and writing kids’ books have not been a goal of mine.
Four days later, I spoke with the Sunday School Coordinator about how I could help. “I definitely don’t want a teaching position; ideally something behind the scenes.” “I have just the thing for you … how about leading the kids in song?” I was amazed that there was no objection in my spirit. I was calm and interested. I actually wanted to do it. I was in absolute awe at the strange heart change that took place, and only in four days! I took the position and you know what? God gave me the heart for it! Amazing! I want to do it, I enjoy singing praises with these kids and teaching them from God’s word, and I’m excited for next week!
Two weeks later, I realize that I had misunderstood God’s answer. He didn’t want me to not sing in church, just ‘not there’ – not on stage Sunday morning. He wanted me to sing with the kids. He promised to ‘show me’ where, and he did!
I am in awe of what God can do when we just let him work in our hearts. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness! I’m honored to be in his will, honored to walk in his purpose for me. I don’t know how long this will be my purpose, but right now I’m where he wants me, and that is all the reason I need to do it with all my heart. Amen!
Let me share a personal experience. I’d asked God what to do with the singing voice he gave me, which I wanted to use for his purposes. I sang in church a few times and enjoyed it, but wasn’t sure it was where God wanted me. Finally I asked, “Do you want me to sing in church?” The response was “Not there.” “Then where?” I asked, imagining it would be live jazz somewhere, or maybe writing my own songs …maybe in hospitals. “I’ll show you,” was the reply. All I could do was wait.
One day, a friend asked me, “Have you ever considered singing with the kids in our church program?” I laughed at her. “NO!” I firmly rejected the ridiculous idea. No way in a million years would I do that! ‘Not for me’ I thought. ‘I don’t have the heart for it.’ I’ve never really been one to ‘hang out’ with kids and savor every minute with them. At arms-length and in small doses, kids are fine, but daycare, children’s ministry, and writing kids’ books have not been a goal of mine.
Four days later, I spoke with the Sunday School Coordinator about how I could help. “I definitely don’t want a teaching position; ideally something behind the scenes.” “I have just the thing for you … how about leading the kids in song?” I was amazed that there was no objection in my spirit. I was calm and interested. I actually wanted to do it. I was in absolute awe at the strange heart change that took place, and only in four days! I took the position and you know what? God gave me the heart for it! Amazing! I want to do it, I enjoy singing praises with these kids and teaching them from God’s word, and I’m excited for next week!
Two weeks later, I realize that I had misunderstood God’s answer. He didn’t want me to not sing in church, just ‘not there’ – not on stage Sunday morning. He wanted me to sing with the kids. He promised to ‘show me’ where, and he did!
I am in awe of what God can do when we just let him work in our hearts. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness! I’m honored to be in his will, honored to walk in his purpose for me. I don’t know how long this will be my purpose, but right now I’m where he wants me, and that is all the reason I need to do it with all my heart. Amen!
Helpful Verses
”For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
“Whatever you do, do it heartily as to God and not to men”
Colossians 3:22
Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.
Isaiah 30:21
2 comments:
Hi Kim,
Thanks for reposting this example of hearing God and following His direction. I was praying this morning and my thoughts were brought to the truth that I've often listened but do I hear? I wanted to protest but I remained silent as God showed me an area in my life that was still all mine.
This post ministered to me, particularly, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Thanks again and may your day be blessed.
MTJ
And yours :) Thank you MTJ. I'm encouraged by your words.
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