Have you played the old school ice breaker, “If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you want with you?” Depending on the group, responses can bring about revelations and insights into the people in the room. How about it, Dear Partner? If you were stranded on a desert island, what would you most want with you? (I’d love to see you candid thoughts in the Comments section below.)
It’s really not a new thing to try and figure out. Jesus had just commissioned His apostles, and was immediately sending them out into the world with His gospel of love. Before they could freak about the logistics of traveling, Jesus gave this encouragement to them (and to us):
Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here . . . You have been treated generously, so live generously.
Don’t think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don’t need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light.
God is pretty creative about what He can and will use to accomplish His will. He doesn’t dash off to Lowe’s, or Hobby Lobby, Walmart, or even place an order on Amazon for props. God uses what’s available, simple things like a rod, a bottle of oil, a donkey, and mud. (We won’t go into the whole “jawbone of an ass” today, maybe later.)
Confession time: I am a recovering worry-wart, as Mama used to say. I’m not proud of it, and not nearly as addicted to worrying as I used to be. (For that, I give God all the glory, because it’s sure not my weak flesh.) Nevertheless, my worry muscle hasn’t totally wasted away and makes it presence known every so often.
Work done by generous people with hearts for serving others can be amazing and powerful. I don’t think we will know this side of heaven just how many lives are impacted by those choosing to be the heart and hands of Jesus. I love helping others, but sometimes that old worry muscle starts to ache when I think about how much more I could be doing.
That’s why the Message translation of Matthew’s recounting of Jesus’s exhortation to the apostles is so impactful to me. Seriously, when I read, “You are the equipment,” the words jumped off the page, and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
God doesn’t call us because of our family, education, profession, or bank accounts. As I learn that it’s not the what God seeks, but the who, I see and appreciate givers (of time, resources, or themselves) more. Everyone has worth and value simply because he or she is a child of God. Being sovereign, God can take anything, put it in the hands of a devoted person and work wonders.
What’s in your hand? Your phone, your closet, or pantry, or desk at work? God has a plan for whatever you may lay your hand to, a plan to bless you and others.
Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men . . .
I’d love to hear about what you are putting your hand to these days! Drop a note in the Comment section below. If you’d like to know more about what I’m putting my hand to these days, click here.
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