My son, Nick, blesses us with his quirky sense of humor. His latest Facebook status reads:
"Thank you, divider stick at the grocery store checkout line, for keeping my total from being....infinity."
That stick has little to no intrinsic value, except for its flat sides that make it "stick" in place when the conveyor belt moves. This stick sits in a groove, unnoticed until we need it to fulfill its purposes: to be readily available; to lie horizontally instead of vertically for a few minutes; and, to give the silent signal to the cashier to stop, "keeping my total from being . . . infinity."
However, a divider stick in the wrong place or being used for the wrong purpose can cause serious damage. On the floor the stick would stop shopping carts or cause someone to slide. A divider stick becomes a weapon in the wrong person's hand and an instrument of mass destruction in the hands of a two or three-year-old. "Clean up, aisle 10!"
Ever feel like that stick, waiting for God to show you your ministry niche and feeling useless on the sidelines until He does? Or, maybe He's already shown you where He wants you but you're not thrilled with His plan because it's not glamorous enough, big enough, far enough away or public enough. And finally, maybe you already feel stuck in a position or ministry you feel is going nowhere and you question whether what you do makes any difference because you can't yet see how God uses your availability and simple shape to fill spiritual needs in the lives of others.
Our availability and obedience to God mean He can use us even if we feel no more gifted or useful than a stick. He'll place us where He wants us, even if the scenery never changes or the people we're helping don't appreciate us. Nick makes a great point: without the dividing stick the price would be too high and the burden too heavy to carry. God used two particular dividing sticks, one vertical and one horizontal, to keep us from paying an eternal price for our sin and to keep us with Him. Never underestimate the power of a stick in God's Hand.
Thank You, Jesus for dying on the cross to keep me from eternal punishment. The cross, two pieces of wood chosen randomly from among others, now represents the high price You paid for my purity. You are our divider from sin and hell. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us enough to become the sacrifice for our sin. Use our availability and simplicity to divide others from the burdens they carry. Turn us whichever way You need to turn us to point others to Your Love and Grace. Help us stick to Your plan, no matter how green the grass is on another hill. In the Name of Jesus who remained fairly anonymous but available for 30 years before God changed His niche.
"but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." 1 Corinthians 1:23-24
"However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Inspired by Nick Noland, My Utmost for His Highest and Jesus Calling
Photos from photobucket.com
No comments:
Post a Comment