Being A Living Sacrifice

The heavenly call for assistance was given to a select few to get involved in a great act of service to the Lord and His people. Do you want to know what happened? I am aware that one person got volunteered and pleasantly agreed. Another one got involved. But I don't know why in my heart I was thinking that more participants were necessary. But where was I you may be thinking if I feel that more people were needed? Guess what! I was in a dilemma of deciding if I wanted to get involved or not. My flesh was saying: “You don't have time to get really involved;” my heart was saying: “Yes you can! Don't you know that when the Lord puts a situation in your presence and you can help, you should!” My mind and heart were going through all the reasons why I couldn't do it. My spirit wouldn't let me be at peace about it at all. I was being reminded of all the good talk I've had with my children about getting involved, helping others, not worrying about what other says about you when you are right, and doing the right things to the best of your ability. Didn't James say in chapter 3 verse 1 that those who presume to be teachers will be judged more strictly? But again, where was I? I was still waiting until…… We'll continue on this line later.

While waiting, it was so easy to come up with all types of excuses for non participation. I was analyzing myself and trying to keep my attitude straight. Knowing what it takes to be behind the scene, and how much commitment it entails, I had decided that I'll not get involved with anything else. Is that pride, selfishness or self-preservation? My fleshly side still wants to call it self-preservation. You know that you can't take on anymore in your plate when you don't even want to get up to go to work, and you have to constantly fight with your children to get them up to go to school. You know that you are in trouble when your first born tells you after being denied a request, “Mom you are always busy doing something and talking too much, I am not responsible if you don't have a life, I must enjoy my life….” Am I the only one with these issues? Help Lord!

Anyways, after a good soul searching, I found myself reminiscing bible stories of great man and woman of God. A few examples from the bible and our modern society came to my mind and I'll share them with you. What would have happened to Esther and the Jews if she didn't get involved? What wouldn't have happened to Daniel and friends if they didn't obey the Word of God and stand for what is right? And, what would have happened to me if Jesus didn't volunteer His life to die on the cross? You can get your bible and reread Esther 1-10, Daniel 1-12, and John 3:16-17.

In the case of Queen Esther, she was told by Mordecai, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 13:13–14). Daniel and friends knew how to follow their hearts without worrying about what other people thought of them. The Lord knew the reason why he came to earth and didn't care to rebuke Pharisees, Scribes and friend (Matthew 16:21–23; Matthew 23, Marc 8:31–33). There are also other people who open their lives and let the Lord use them by adopting other people children or take care of them in an orphanage.

In my case, I know that I am living in this current generation for a purpose, meeting the people I am meeting, and trying to fulfill my particular assignment of accepting my life with all trials and blessings because I was chosen before the creation of the world for great works in the Lord (Ephesians 1, 2). Do I still have any reasons for excuses? I guess not!

By the way, do you know what I was waiting for? I was waiting and looking all around for someone else to get involved, not me! Hopefully I waited to see who else will come through. I was waiting for you. While I was waiting, the loving fiery eyes of the Lord were on me, and He was also waiting for me. While I was running away, his pierced feet were following me everywhere. I was being convicted right there. Only when I started looking up and surrender that I was able to get back into the loving embrace of the extended pierced hands and find peace. Oh Lord, have mercy on me!

I seem to have forgotten that the grace, grace, grace that goes with me every second, minute, hour of the day, keeps me sane while driving for at least fifteen hours a week on the highway, will also be with me to assist with this new assignment. Grace has always been involved in everything being accomplished in my life and will continue to be. I was reminded that when I'm weak, then I am strong, because His grace is sufficient to me. His goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. I have decided that I will not be like Saul and Samson who were doing their thing and weren't aware that the anointing has departed.

We should remember that when we are part of a community, church, family and there is a clarion call for involvement, we should all get involved to the best of our ability. Even old dogs can learn new tricks. By the way, there are plenty of little children worldwide who are looking and waiting for a new mom and dad, a house, brothers, sisters, food and love. When many work together, burden is lessened (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12). There is power in number. Esther needed her fellow Jews to fast and pray with her. Daniel needed his friends to pray with him. Even the great Savior, the creator of heavens and earth, needed Peter, James and John to pray with him. Reread Esther 4:1–16; Daniel 2:17–18; Matthew 26:36–42.

Next time we hear, “There is a need for someone to ….., our answers should be: “Here I am, use me.”

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus