I talked about listening for His voice during the Christmas season, after God chipped through my protective shell and broke my heart for the weak and needy of the world. I needed answers. I felt helpless in the face of such vast hopelessness. I knew God could use me, but how? When? Where? I feared I was wasting my life.
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So I listened. I had two questions in mind: Does what I’m doing right now matter? And if not, what should I be doing differently or in addition?
Right about the same time God was working in my heart, Brian started doing some soul searching as well. Brian’s job was difficult (major understatement) as a result of the way the company is managed …mismanaged is more accurate. He wondered if he was really where he should be. Together, we began seeking God’s will in answers to those questions.
In my Bible reading, I came upon verses like 2 Timothy 1: 8, 9 and 4: 5:
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord of of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity…”
“But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
But what is my calling, my ministry? Yes, to be a wife and helper for my husband. But what else? I knew there was more. What about the helpless and suffering people in the world?
The verses kept coming in, phrases jumping out at me that I’d never noticed before.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Titus 2:11-15
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men…He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy…
This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.” Titus 3:1, 2, 5, 8
Then I started receiving comments in person and on my blog, people thanking me for a specific post, or mentioning how something I wrote touched them or made them think.
I believe God used your encouraging words and The Word to tell me that my blogging really can be, and is, a ministry. I might not be able to donate much money to causes, I might not be able to travel on mission trips, but through my blog, I can be a voice. A voice for the voiceless.
Consequently, I intend to bring causes and ministries to your attention on a regular basis, and to continue to donate my profits from my affiliate links. It seems like a small offering, just a few fish and loaves, but I believe God will take it and multiply it to feed thousands.
But what about Brian’s job situation? That answer wasn’t as straightforward.
To Be Continued.
Encouraging, as always! . . . I do think it's difficult to feel we make a difference. I guess we have to trust God's purpose for each season of life we pass through. Some periods are times of preparation, and others, times where we see results. I believe with your enthusiastic heart for God, He won't let you miss His will!
As the saying goes, it's the little things that count. You may never know how many lives you've touched. You may never know the ways God used you. As long as you are willing to be used when the opportunity arises (and you are), then He will use you–whether you are aware of it or not.
It reminds me of a story I heard preached once about a man who lived in Australia. (I may mess it up, but this is basically it) Every day he went up to one person and asked him if he knew where he was going when he died. When he was in his seventies, a man came up to him and asked him his name. The man told the Australian that he was the grandson of a man who came to Christ nearly 20 years earlier because of his question. His grandfather went on to become an evangelist and saw hundreds of people come to know the Lord–including him–and he wanted to thank him. The Australian sat down right there and cried. He said that his son had died 20 years ago and that day he made a promise to God that every day he would talk to one person about their eternal security. Not once in 20 years had he led a single person to Christ, yet he continued on faithfully every day. He never knew that God had used him until that day.
Yep…I messed it up…but you get the point. God uses the little things.
I too believe that blogging can (and should) be a ministry! You may never know how God's words through you can touch and change people's lives. And every day as you become more and more the woman that God created you to be, you will be a light shining in the darkness to those that are without God- living practically right in your back yard- we are to preach the Gospel and be an example everywhere we are. Trust God and He will use you when you are willing!
I really do agree. God is using you beautifully to share His heart on your blog! May you and Brian hear His voice so clearly as He directs your paths. BIG hugs to you.
Keeping talking – every voice counts and helps the message grow stronger!
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Oh, Emily. This is so encouraging. We are in a similar situation. (Well my Hubby and Brian are! Both being in a place where the stress level is higher than anyone else in the world!) I am so glad I have read your post! =)
And I also have plans of featuring missionaries. I intend to start it this January but I guess I'd be starting it in February instead. =)
God bless your heart and I will be praying for you and Brian. (and I hope he's ok.. physically and emotionally too after the shock of the car accident)
Have a blessed day!