buildingbodies4christ

Small Tasks

As I sit down to write on this particular morning, I am humbled by revelations on my character. Sometimes when I write, I feel that I come across as knowing all the answers or I hear such great things from God. I am just a sojourner just like you. Most days all I hear is silence. A few of those days I swing on doubt rather than belief. I have just read the first chapter of Jonah, and I so get his running when he heard what God wanted him to do. If it’s hard or something that takes me out of my comfort zone, I might have the urge to run on most days as well. Most days, I don’t believe I am going to do anything really great for Jesus. I believe He has tasks assigned to me just as Jonah had a task assigned to him. But I think in the grand scheme of God’s plan, they will be small tasks of obedience.

There a just a few people who are called to be Jonah or Moses or Paul of their times. There are many others who are called to be the support staff to those of greater significance in the Kingdom. I am sure there are even fewer who have a great vision or dream that God has placed in them. Whether we just don’t dream anymore or we’re just not prepared properly to receive it.

I am struck by the fact that God prepares us so much more for the tasks ahead for years before the dream or vision is revealed. Moses had forty years in the back country tending his father-in-law’s flock before he was given his great vision. It was the day in and day out tasks of learning how to survive in the desert with a flock – maybe sheep, knowing they relied upon him to feed them and water them. Moses had his support group as he led God’s people in the desert for forty years after their escape from Egypt. He was trained to handle the tasks of moving them about to find the water, the food and the shelter.

King David had years as a shepherd boy then a warrior before he ever became king. David had his mighty band of warriors as well as Jonathon. Jonathon realized his role was not going to be king, but he was a mighty big encourager to the one who was going to be crowned king.

We all have a role in God’s kingdom. We all have to be prepared for it. Each step of obedience is a step toward fitting into the role God has assigned. Each task accomplished is one more character building exercise. God is more concerned about our character than what we actually accomplish. It really takes the pressure off to know that it’s up to God and not us. We are to be obedient in what He gives us, but He has a purpose that He will fulfill, not us. Whew, it’s all about Jesus, not me! Thank you Jesus!

For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God. Philippians 1:10-11 (NLT)