05/01/2023
This morning I am contemplating a rather convicting subject. I am asking myself a couple of questions regarding my ability to serve the Lord in obscurity. Can I do the work of my calling without a grand moment of inspiration from God? And, is my work dependent on His making a show of my service?
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV
One of our greatest human frailties is pride, and that is seen reflected in our pursuit of greatness. We seek attention because it not only shows us that we are important, but reveals that to those around us as well. A certain indication that we are on the road to conquering this devilish pride can be found in our ability to serve God in obscurity and without some grand revelation of our calling.
When a person is quietly called to service but then stands before the church loudly praying for the strength to carry it out, that is pride... not God’s desire. The motivation isn't for assistance but rather to make an announcement of a private thing. God never calls us without providing all we need to accomplish the mission He has sent us on. Jesus took the time to reveal this to us when he said...
“"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:5-6 ESV
There will be times when God calls someone in grand fashion, but this is usually to encourage others, or to seal the conviction of our fellows in assisting in the calling. It is not done to bring glory for glory's sake and certainly not to boost the pride of the one who was called. If we are called and then boast of it we had better beware; a humbling will be just around the corner.
I knew a man who was called to do a mighty work for the Lord. He led worship before a church and in this position was prominently on display before the congregation every week. Over the course of time the choir and music program grew in numbers and in their inspiration to those who heard them, and with this newfound glory came much praise and acclaim. Then the trap of Satan snapped shut and this man began to claim the credit for God's success and with a puffed up chest thought the work could not go on without him. God warned and then finally humbled this man he had originally called. His mission was removed and the work went on without him.
God's callings are not to lift us up, but to accomplish His will and to bring Him glory. When we mistake our being called as doing anything other than being used by God to serve His kingdom, then we have lost sight of God's will and our efforts are doomed.
So how do we receive encouragement to continue on? Can we work in obscurity forever without some acknowledgement from God? Can we continue on without our faith being bolstered or some personal touch? The Lord watches over us and provides for us in His time. Paul speaks of Jesus giving us what we need to complete what we have been asked to do; let's read his words of prayer for the Hebrews:
“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Hebrews 13:20-21 ESV
If it is our faith that needs bolstering, God will provide that as well. He will come and let us know that we are doing well and have His favor.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ESV
So when we are serving in obscurity and our faith is stressed, or we wonder if God is still participating in what He originally called us to do, praise His name in prayer. Avoid claiming His victory or the desire for the praise and acclaim of those around you. Place God before all else in your life and look only to Him... trust in Him always to provide, and to Him let all praise flow. Finally, never seek the encouragement of Man over that of God.
“Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.”
John 12:42-43 ESV
Prayer:
Father, I thank you for allowing me to serve you and to do so humbly. I praise your name in all that has been done, and in all that you have placed before me. Lord you are mighty and mighty to be praised; if I should slip from your hand then I would surely fall. Never lose your grip on my life and lift me up when I am low. Use me Father in the building of your kingdom and keep your will in my eyes as I move forward in your service. Thank you Jesus for demonstrating the humility of a servant and teaching me to place the Father's will before my own in all things. Hear my prayers Dear Savior, and give me those things required to continue the good work that I have been asked to do. Never let the cup slip from my hand and steady my step as I travel in obscurity down precarious roads. Bolster my faith and keep the sound of your footfalls ever in my ears as we travel together.
Rich Forbes