Being Comfortable with Who You are in God

As I begin to go to church more and get comments on this site it causes me to have more self refection about who I am and what I believe.

Last night at church our Pastor talked about the reason that our church was there. It’s purpose was to influence people for the gospel, to be a shining light in the darkness. He talked about how he and his wife heard God tell them to come to our area and start a church and how that simple act of obedience has effected thousands. He said that the main reason why they stepped out in faith was that they had a burden for the people of our area. They had God’s heart.

This got me thinking about who I am and what is my influence on those around me. In the last year or so I have mostly concentrated on my family and trying to get them to the place that they should be. During that time I would struggle with the thoughts that I was not involved in ministry and that I was not “helping people”. But during those times God would remind me of the impact that I am going to have on the world be having my house in order. During that time my burden was for my family.

Now as my wife and I settle into this new place that he has brought into of a new state, new house, new church, and her staying home with the kids that burden is beginning to change. The burden is now beginning to be for those around me. It is for my church because they have a nice web site, but God has blessed me with talent that can make it better. This translates into the church having an image of excellence that people will be attracted to. Then when the come the church points to Jesus.

The burden is also turning to others outside my circle of influence too.

I saw a man on the street the other day that was asking for money to eat and for a pair of shoes. He only had flip flops. My heart broke not only due to his situation but to mine – I honestly did not have the means to help him.  I wanted so much to take him to lunch, buy him a pair of shoes, and give him some cash. I did not like being in the situation of not being able to help him.

Then a few days later I was watching the local news and they had a segment about a brother and sister that were in foster care. They were both in their early teens and were visiting a farm together. This was a special time for them because they were not in the same foster home and did not get to be together very often. Another heart breaking experience as I wished that their was something I could do with them. But having 3 small kids I was limited in what I could do.

The point of my Pastor last night and my point today is that we cannot get so comfortable or focused on ourselves and our needs that we do not see the needs that are around us.

If we are really walking in God’s light we are going to be blessed in every area. What we need to realize though is that God not only blesses us for us – he blesses us for those around us too. I am starting to come to the next chapter of my life that the blessings that God has given my can be used to help others. This is another progression in walking with God.

So I say all of that to say this – where ever you are in your life, whether you are just starting out as a Christian or you have been serving God for 100 years – know who’s child you are - God’s. Know why you are in the place of life that you are at – He will tell you. You may not be in the most ideal place in your life but be thankful anyway. I guarantee that no matter your situation that there are people that have it worse then you . And you know what? God wants to bring you out of your situation and then use you to help those people.

So stand up and be proud that you are God’s child, he loves you, His Son died so that you may live – live like you are a child of the King as raise your head up.

I do not usually go on like this but I really believe that someone that is going to read this really needs to hear it. Remember, no matter what your situation is, God can and will make it better. Tomorrow is another day.

Lord, I just pray for whoever may read this post that they would know that You love them. I pray that they would know that You know about their situation and that you already have a plan to bring them out of it. Lord, I pray that you would grant them the wisdom to lead them out of the situation and the boldness to take those steps. Lord, You are God in heaven, and you are here on earth. You are with us always even when we do not think that You are around. I thank You for being here. I thank You for your Holy Spirit and for peace. I thank You that you peace is here right now. Lord we love you, we thank You, and we trust you Lord. We give you are lives and our hearts, in the Name of Jesus, amen.

May the God of peace be with you.