I don't need to be on stage in order to serve God.
Last weekend was wonderful.
Simply wonderful.
I loved the opportunity to speak, and share my story with other women. But - honestly - my favorite part of each event was at the end, when women came forward to receive prayer. The only way it could have been better is if I was able to personally pray with each one. As it is, I was on stage singing - and praying from a distance.
Even though I was at a distance, my heart was delighted to see women drawing close to God.
When Monday morning came and I was walking into work, I was thinking about what had taken place over the weekend. I prayed, God, thank You, thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your work. Thank You for the opportunity to be used by You in the lives of those women.
I thought about how much I want to do more events like those. Seriously. My heart was (and still is!) longing to do that again, and again.
And then, almost as quickly as that thought came into my mind, God brought me another. He caused me to think about the men and women I was about to see when I walked through the front door at Edgewood. He reminded me they need to experience His love just as much as every woman does who comes to an event where I'm speaking. And while God is able to put me on a stage whenever He wants to, He reminded me that four days a week He already has plans for me at Edgewood Retirement Center.
Perhaps on a couch in the atrium.
Sometimes in the hallway outside someone's apartment.
Often in the Activity Room.
Frequently in the dining room.
But not on stage.
Over the course of this week God has presented me with several opportunities to serve Him at the Edge. I've prayed - with co-workers and residents. I've spoken of His love. I have been His hands and feet. And this is all for HIS glory - not mine!
And through it all, He has reminded me - though the stage is great, and HE does great work when I'm there - I don't need to be on stage in order to serve God.
How 'bout you? Are you recognizing that HE can use you in 'ordinary' circumstances, too?
9 comments:
Karen, AWESOME post to remind us that in everyday situations God intends for us to be His hands and feet. We do not have to be on stage to be used by Him. Thanks for the reminder.
Leah
Leah - You're welcome.
I haven't had a chance to watch the video you sent about why God calls us, but I'm hoping to see it this weekend. Have a feeling I'll be thanking you! *grin*
Thanks Karen. A nice reminder. I am going to think of a small reminder that I can use each day on my way to work before I walk though the doors. I want to remind my self of this. I know he is using me where I am all the time.
Glad last weekend went so well for you. Continung to pray for your speaking time. Now I will also add you speaking at work.
Thanks,
Pat W.
Such a great reminder! Everyone has their own stage. Eyes are always watching and even when we don't get the opportunity to verbally share our faith, our actions and how we live is also a way to share our faith. You are a testament to your friends at the retirement home everytime you smile, listen and laugh with them. :o)
Great post, Karen! I have been working on reminding myself that it is in the ordinary and the mundane that I can find joy in knowing that is His work too. Sometimes it doesn't feel like it when I am scrubbing away, but that's my learning process...to find joy & give thanks for all of it! :)
Pat - Thanks for praying. You are a blessing to me!
Jodi - Oh, how I want HIS love to speak through me at Edgewood! (And wherever I may be.)
Patricia - Sometimes it doesn't feel like it. Yes. I'm so glad the Truth of God isn't based on feelings!
good reminder! It's easy to feel good about bringing God's message on stage and being commended for it..but oh, how sweet to feel His pleasure over us in the little unseen things. Like homeschooling, playing legos, serving the unthankful, washing dishes...thank you for this reminder :)
I cant come to your blog if I am the slightest bit emotional. (which is all the time anyway) EVERY time I cry! In a good way of course. Just need those light bulb moments... and you are so good at reminding me what I need to be doing! :)
Mariel - You're welcome.
Yes. That 'serving the un-thankful' (teenage sons!) can be less-than-rewarding. But GOD sees it.
And it matters!
Amanda - Tears aren't always bad. *wink*
I'm so glad God uses my words to speak to your heart. Love you!
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