Gifts from Above
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (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.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.—James 1:17 (NIV)
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.—Titus 3:1–2 (NIV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.—Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)