Or at least I do.
Some of you might be like this guy:
Don't worry. If you're the inspiration for this pin, I won't say anything and you will remain in your nameless anonymity. ;-)
It was the topic of conversation #2 with Beth Vogt in the Denver airport during my four hour layover two weeks ago.
It spilled over into our discussions amongst my Alley Cats our retreat weekend when we stayed up one night until 3 in the morning.
It has cropped up in my recent emails with a friend.
God's word does NOT come back void.
I don't know about you, but I don't have many opportunities to share my faith. Am I doing something wrong? God, should I be more vocal for You? Should I be standing on a street corner preaching John 3:16? Because "just" living my life doesn't feel like enough.
I've been given the chance in the last few months to be quite vocal in my faith. Patients and coworkers alike, I've had the opportunity to give glory to my God. What a euphoric high! What a moment! I can actually speak where I've always just lived.
I've been able to open up my mouth and share what I feel so strongly in my life.
But lately...that message I am so convicted about, hasn't been well received. It's been scoffed and turned away. But wait? What just happened? What changed that now I can't speak? I was just getting used to this!
Is there a time to speak? Absolutely!
Is there a time to be silent? Absolutely.
God has been tapping me on the shoulder, dipping His chin and motioning me to step back. Not step away, just...step back.
*sputter* *cough* *whine* Why?
The soil has been prepared. The seeds have been planted. The ground is watered. The weeds pulled. The sun shining. The rains pouring. The plants growing. And finally, the crop harvested.
The thing is, we don't know what step on that path we are. Even the man in the Bible who was healing in Jesus' name, but wasn't one of His direct disciples played a role in God's plan for each of our lives.
It took me a long time to be willing to accept that simply smiling at a stranger might be all the ministry I can give. And why should I argue with where God puts me at the time He puts me there even if all I do is live my life?
And I'd rather be known for my quiet, unassuming faith that shines bright for Christ, then the street-caller on the corner of Main. We all have a calling. We all have a place and a time. The question lies in: how will you embrace that time?
So I take courage, comfort and above all else, excitement in knowing: nothing I do, nothing I say in Christ EVER comes back void.
Excellent Casey! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's a powerful reminder isn't it?
DeleteNow that's a GREAT message, Casey. And needed! Thanks a bunch!
ReplyDeleteI love how God puts themes in our lives. Kind of like novels. Only we don't realize it's intentional until we get to step back a little and see the big picture.
DeleteYou, Casey, have both that precious gentle spirit that honors God, as well as an exuberance that comes from within -- and is such a part of your makeup. It's who you are -- who God made you to be. And it's how you reflect Him to the world, both with and without saying a word.
ReplyDeleteAnd through you, God's Word -- when you speak it out loud or when you pray it as you intercede for others or when you weave it into a story that He's given you to write -- will never come back void.
Love you, friend!
I hope so, Beth. I really hope so. I'm seeing glimpses of God's confirmation of His work in my life and let me tell you, that is something amazing. Sure do love you back. :)
DeleteI have to agree with the other ladies! Thanks so much for what you've shared here, Casey! :)
ReplyDeleteSweet Blessings,
Michelle