“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
This verse came at the precise time this morning. For years I have been wondering what God’s purpose was for my life. Growing up, I had dreams of being an outstanding singer, an actress, a teacher, a public speaker, or a famous writer. I sang in the school choir, acted in our local theatre, became a teacher, opened my own business, and became a published author and speaker with the National Tutoring Associaiton. Since the age of 18, I have worked with children and adults with disabilities.
When we moved to Idaho four years ago, I promised God that I would serve Him. For the first year, I stepped out of my comfort zone and volunteered at our church in Children’s ministry, women’s ministry, and benevolence. One or two days a week, I went to our local animal shelter and volunteered to walk dogs. I was happy serving. I loved what I was doing and discovered a new passion.
The following year, my husband and I had to go back into the workforce. I went back to teaching children having autism. While I realized this was a gift from God, I admit I wasn’t always working with a positive attitude. I wanted to serve God volunteering at the church and in the community. I wanted to pursue my dream of writing and becoming a public speaker for the Lord. Because I had to work full time, I could not continue serving in the roles I had held my first year with the church. Now, I was doing the right thing but with the wrong attitude. I wanted to serve the Lord doing what I wanted to do, but the Lord reminded me that when you serve others, you are serving Him. “Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:2).
God draws people and opportunities across our path so we can be a blessing to others. Once I got my mind off myself and realized that my occupation was serving God, my attitude changed. We all need to serve where we are with a good attitude. You may feel you want to do something significant, but the small things God calls you to do may be a stepping stone to something bigger. You don’t know where that small step is leading. Promotions don’t come from people, promotions come from God.
When we serve others, we are serving God. If we continue being our best where we are, the blessings will come to us. Never discount the power of serving. You are never wasting time serving others.
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)