04/23/2023
What is our role in performing those things that God calls us to? Are we working for God, ourselves, or in concert with God? The answer might surprise you.
When I introduce someone who is under my employ, I always say "I would like you to meet Jane Doe, we work together." You might be surprised to know that God does the same with us. There is no conceit or need to demonstrate dominance, if the job is to be done we must work together towards its completion. My employee's worth is not in their lesser station, but in how well we can work together to get things done and be prosperous.
“For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building.”
1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV
Frederick Buechner is a theologian and Presbyterian Minister, and I read a wonderful quote of His that is worth remembering, he said, "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." As I thought about these words, I realized that the beauty in doing God’s will is that when God calls us to that place He doesn't just tell us where it is... He is already there and calls us to join Him.
Once there, at the place of our calling, we begin the work with God, because that was reason we were called there in the first place. God will always direct our efforts, and don't be mistaken, this is His work, and we are but tools in His hand. Our greatest duty is to remain focused on Him. We are working together to accomplish this thing, but the responsibility remains with God. Oswald Chambers also realized this partnership when he wrote:
"When once the concentration is on God, all the margins of life are free and under the dominance of God alone. There is no responsibility on you for the work; the only responsibility you have is to keep in living constant touch with God, and to see that you allow nothing to hinder your cooperation with Him." - Oswald Chambers
Keeping our eye on the Lord is essential to our relationship, and to performing the tasks he has called us to complete. In ancient days a general would take up a position on a high piece of ground and signal his army with a flag when it was time to attack, but he also raised various flags when it was time to pull back, or to turn in one direction or another. It was imperative that the soldiers not lose themselves in the battle and miss a signal... the battle could be won or lost depending on that... and so could their lives.
When God calls us He doesn't turn us loose to do His calling on our own; He is with us always. He signals us as we go and even performs duties for us when necessary... we are fellow workers in accomplishing His will. His Spirit isn't with us once, but in all we do, and it is dynamic... telling us right or left, forward or back. What we do, we should do with God's direction.
God supplies us spiritually...
“For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure.”
John 3:34 ESV
And He supplies us physically...
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 ESV
Yes, our God is ever with us and is not only the master who assigns us tasks, but our partner in accomplishing His will and calling. We are not laboring in vain toward some insignificant goal, but to achieve His great purpose... and He works side by side with us to accomplish His desire.
“for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:13 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling me to where you are, and working with me to complete those things you have called me to do. Let my eyes forever be upon you. Never let me lose sight of you or miss a single word or signal of your direction. I know that the tasks you call me to do are yours and for your glory; I know that it is not meant for me to usurp or claim pride in them. Holy Father I thank you for selecting me for each task, because I know that in doing so we will be together in it to accomplish your will. My hand longs for yours, and my stride is short without you walking beside me; guide me Father and never let me stray from your side. Let my obedience, and the sweat of my brow, glorify you always.
Rich Forbes