The Wealth of Inner Peace
But godliness with contentment is great gain.—1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.—JOHN 3:23 NIV
John the Baptist was single-mindedly focused on what God had told him to do. He went to a place that had the
two things he needed to fulfill his mission: water and people wanting to be baptized.
Sometimes we make serving God more complicated than it needs to be. We don’t need to wait for conditions to be right or to have more knowledge or experience or resources. We can serve right now where God has us. He will grow us into what He needs us to be.
John had joy because he was doing what he was supposed to be doing. He knew his mission had a season. He was preparing to let someone else, Jesus, take over. It was not about John. It was about God. Mothers with small children can relate to this. The ministry of raising children is just for a season, as we prepare them to be responsible adults. The goal is to work ourselves out of a job.
What talents and interests do you have? What resources has God given you? How can you use what you have right now to serve Him? Be open to see what God brings your way. Serve God and find your joy.
Dear God, make us aware of talents and resources we can use to serve You. Open our eyes to the opportunities You have placed around us, and show us the joy in serving You. Amen.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.—1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)
At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.—Psalm 119:62–63 (NIV)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.—Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)