When I was a kid, when there was a missionary speaker at our church, we often sang a song with these words - "I go where you want me to go, dear Lord; I'll say what you want me to say, I be what you want me to be..." For me it wasn’t a good song! It created visions of going to live in a hut in a jungle, far from people I loved, living miserably on a terrible diet. Even as I sang, I was doing deals with God in my mind... "Sure, Lord, I want to be an obedient son - but- pulllleeeeeze- don't ask me to go there!" That childish response makes me chuckle now, even as I recall the very real emotions of that time.
In my immaturity, I did not understand the will of God was the gateway to fulfillment, that the purpose of God is the way of joy. My relationship with God (if one could call it that) was shaped by fear, not by love. I was ONLY willing to consider God's will because I was certain something terrible would happen to me if I didn't. Curiously, somehow I thought that ‘doing God’s will’ always meant misery, but a person did it so they would avoid greater miseries of perpetual poverty, cancer, or zits! As I matured in faith, I found out that the will of God is not some miserable duty that the Potentate of Heaven presents to us just to see if we're humble enough to take it! He is not toying with us just to exercise His authority. He desires to work out His will in us and through us in the world.
The Will of God is the path of life. His will envelopes our experiences, our spiritual gifts, our opportunities, and our personality. He knows EXACTLY how to maximize our potential, even if His plan is not what we might initially desire for our life. He asks us to trust His wisdom. While He is not interested, in the least, in granting our every fantasy, He does love us deeply. Even in circumstances that appear miserable to someone looking in from the outside, He can keep us joyful and at rest. The Lord’s idea of success is far different because He factors in eternity! He will make us into a Heavenly success story, which does not mean we will live a life of ease, enjoy access to great wealth, or gain the respect of millions! But, in the center of His will we find intimacy with God, a blessing that knows no equal!
Jesus tells us "If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at home in his love. “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature." (John 15:10-11, The Message)
Some are called to serve Him in obscurity, some in fame. Some are sent to the far side of the globe, others to their hometown. Some are given great responsibility, others serve but a few. There is no need to compare, for our service is by His sovereign will! Paul illustrates this for a young pastor named Timothy. Take a look.
"In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21 In God's household, we are all valuable -- prepared for a purpose. We serve nobly whether we are a fine crystal goblet or an ordinary water glass, whether we are a golden tray on display or a wooden cutting board on a corner of the kitchen counter! IF we allow envy to take up residence, the joy and the effectiveness that might have been ours will be lost to endless days of complaining and/or comparisons.
So, disciple, are you still trying to ‘serve God’ while holding onto your own plans?
Are you trying to play a sophisticated game of “Let’s Make A Deal” with Him, setting limits on where, what, or with whom you will serve?
Here’s an invitation from Him. Prayerfully ask the Spirit of God to make these words live for you as He draws you into His will and shows you His plan for this day.
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." (John 15:4-5, 16 NIV)
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It may not be on the mountain's height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me;
But if by a still, small voice He calls
To paths I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in Thine,
I'll go where You want me to go.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide,
Where I may labor through life's short day
for Jesus the crucified;
So, trusting my all unto Thy care,
I know Thou lovest me;
I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll go where You want me to go, dear Lord.
Over mountain or plain or sea.
I'll say what You want me to say, dear Lord,
I'll be what You want me to be.
I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go –
Mary Brown /Charles E. Prior /Carrie E. Rounsefell
© Public Domain
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