Stay where you are
Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. 1 Corinthians 7:17
I used to think I didn’t have gifts or a calling that was actually reaching others. I looked around and saw many people in a position of leadership that seemed to be so much more effective and wondered why I was so lacking. Then one day I started to write. God had called me to write, but I didn’t know where to start. As I became faithful to use the ability and resources He gave, I found myself in connection with others with diverse talents that He began working and fitting together with mine. I didn’t have to move someplace far away, and I didn’t have to change jobs. The only thing I did differently was to consistently share my heart with others. As I began to serve others with what God had given me, He moved things forward to connect me with others so that our gifts and talents could be maximized to reach the world around us.
The apostle Paul talks about this in today’s reading. He said wherever you were when God called you, do not move yourself to become recognized. He said you can start walking out the call of God on your life right where you are. He goes on to say you don’t need to change your status, your denomination or your position, just be faithful where you are right now and He will connect you with others when the timing is right.
So many people get the idea that God has called, so they need to find a great platform to be seen from in this calling. However, God starts us out in ministry right where we are and then grows us into a place of greater reach. When we become more focused on who we can reach than on who we can be, that is when He is ready to give us a greater place of influence. This is also true of time and resources. Until you are willing to give of not only your gifts and abilities, but also use your time and money, you cannot expect that you will achieve all that He has for you. When you hold back anything that is in your hands, you are also holding back His grace to fully supply you. God will take care of your needs, as you serve others with every asset He gives. As you walk out your calling using all the gifts, abilities and physical resources that are required to get results, trust God to bring those blessings back to you as you follow Him every step going forward.
Today I want to encourage you to begin walking out your call and mission in life right where you are. No matter where you are right now, God wants you to step out into your purpose and calling to reach the world around you. Don’t wait for what you consider to be the perfect circumstances, start with what you have right now. As you faithfully serve others with your gifts, talents, time and resources, He will widen your sphere of influence each day. Soon you will be connecting with others as you grow together in ministering to others and God will fulfill all that was planned for you to complete here in this world.
Today’s scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.
18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised.
19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.
20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it.
22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise, he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.
23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.
The Daily Dose 