And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ... Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Collect no more than what is appointed for you." Likewise the soldiers asked him ...
~ Luke 3:3,12-14 (NKJV)
Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.
~ 1 Corinthians 7:20 (NKJV)
I have learned to be satisfied with what I have. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learned this secret, so that anywhere ... any time, I am content ... I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.
~ Philippians 4:11-13 (GNB)
Talk about a diverse audience! It seems everyone came to hear John the Baptist, and many took his words to heart asking, "What shall we do?" He gave them all instructions to live godly lives, exactly where they were. Not even tax collectors were told to look for another job.
I'm too often guilty of, "God, if You'd send me there, I could better serve You." God may send His servants somewhere else, but He intends to use them wherever they are. More important than circumstances is an attitude which says, "Okay Lord, anywhere, any time."
It's not enough to just submit our wills. If we want strength, we need to be satisfied. Content. Even happy. Anywhere, any time, our contentment is found in God, not what we do for Him. Anywhere, any time, we have strength for our circumstances because Christ is enough.
Sovereign Lord, You know our impatient hearts. You know how hard it is to be content where we are, and not say "if only." You are in control. Your will is perfect. Please help us know when to stay and when to go. Please give us contentment and strength in all places and times.
Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
I love you sweet friend, be blessed.
ReplyDelete(Please excuse my arrogance) I feel the Holy Spirit has just speared me ever so gently with your words once again. I 'surrendered' (again) two years ago. Since then it has been one hellish trial after another, with me in the process trying to sway God heavily with my will through many an anxious prayer. Then I learned not to be anxious,this lesson came slowly as many do for me. It wasn't until I put my total trust in God,that I found a semblance of true peace. Thank you for giving me 'anywhere, anytime' it takes me one step further in this long surrender.
ReplyDeleteT. Anne, I'm grateful if the Holy Spirit uses my words to lead you in greater surrender. I find surrender is a minute to minute thing that I need to keep on relying on God to do. (And I didn't detect any arrogance ... is this directed to the H.S.?) ;)
ReplyDeleteIncidently, surrender is what consummates the marriage.
So glad I followed you here from Amy Deardon's blog. This is so good and so true. It's easy to realize the good you could do if God would put you where you wanted to be. Harder to realize the good you can do here, where you are.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this inspiration!
Anne, lol no it was meant for you :)
ReplyDelete