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Thursday, March 29, 2007
 "Now the LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.'" ~ Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV)Do you ever wonder if you are following His plan for your life? The daily choices you make? I do--constantly. As some of you might know, I worked in a church office until last year. I prayed for a very long time before I put in my letter of resignation. My best friend at the time asked me if I knew what I was doing. "How can you give up a position in a Christian environment?" she asked. To be honest, I wasn't sure what I was doing. I trusted the Lord that it was time for me to move on--to go back into the world to be His tool. Was I afraid? No doubt about it. But I was confident that He would guide me to the right place. The time I worked/served at the church was my 'training ground'. To be in His Word on a daily basis--to encourage fellow Christians. He prepared me to stand firm in the dark and angry world. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.My first question was "Lord, what do you want me do on a daily basis. You know I am not good at witnessing!"...I trusted that He would somehow reveal what His plan was for me. Over the past year I have learned to be His hands and feet. I pray for my coworkers. Every day He puts a different person on my heart. As I pray for them daily, He helps me to see their needs. Praying for a safe pregnancy, for safe travel, for good test results... As I pray for my coworkers, I see more and more of their needs--their need for Jesus...No, I don't stand in the lunch room with Bible in hand and proclaim that the end is near. I am still taking baby-steps--testing the water as some might say. He will give me the green light when someone is ready to hear the Gospel. I just have to trust and believe that He is my source of strength. Do I miss the 'safe' environment? You bet! Who wouldn't miss praying with fellow Christians before you start your workday? One thing I know for sure, is that since the Lord has blessed me, I want to be a blessing to others. Lord of Heaven and Earth. You are my strength and my portion. Lord, I am asking for Your help to become a blessing to others. I am trusting in Your lead and guidance. In the precious name of Jesus I pray ~ Amen.  Labels: Iris's Articles, serving God
Comments:
How we all would like to stay in the safe environment, I know I would. But I find my most growth tends to happen when God pushes me out of the boat into the unknown. And I am always thankful for that.
Blessings.(great post)
Iris, you are a witness through your actions far more than your words. You have such a heart of service to God and others around you. I'm sure that is speaking volumes whereever you go.
So often the growth we experience in the "safe environment" fits us for service "out there." It is much like some types of trees where they keep the saplings in a green house until their roots grow stronger and they can withstand the elements out in the world. I believe God was preparing you all that time "for such a time as this." I KNOW you bless your coworkers immeasurably each day. :) Great post!
Iris,
You are a light brighly shinning in a dark word. I am thankful for your example. Blessings, Lynn
God loves all of his people, believers and non-believers and he is patient with us all, wanting us all to be saved. How wonderful that you've chosen what may be a slightly harder path, but perhaps so much more rewarding. You can pass God's love on to non-believers in even the smallest things you can do--I love your examples of praying or just being a compassionate ear. I am reminded that God says his word does not come back to Him empty. How wonderful for you and for your co-workers!
This is a great post. Jason and I often compare our church jobs to his "secular" job at the college. The way people interact with each other in the 2 staff groups is so different. But having someone with Jason's integrity on staff is what the college needs- someone to be an example. We get our cup filled and go out and empty it in service for others in the world.
"As I pray for my coworkers, I see more and more of their needs--their need for Jesus..."
Iris, what a sweet heart you have...I love this statement, it speaks volumes of Christ in you. Blessings to you, Laurie
I work at a church, too. Just the other day I was contemplating the same situation. Honestly, I hardly ever interact in a meaningful way with nonbelievers, not because I don't want to; it just doesn't happen very often. I've been praying for God to open my eyes to this issue. Thanks for the challenge.
What a brave heart you have dear Iris. May the Lord increase your tribe! I have been taken lately with the thought of the fame of the Lord being directly tied to our daily decisions on His behalf. Girl, you make Him look good!
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