Start Where You Are

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20

“Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Philippians 3:8a

While reading Philippians, Chapter 3, I found the following 3 points written in the outline of my Bible. No doubt these were the key points of a previous message by one of my pastors. I have no idea who or when. However, these truths appropriately spoke to me this morning. I have written some thoughts on each point and am adding number 4 myself.

When serving the Lord:

1. Start where you are.
2. Use what you have.
3. Do what you can.
4. God will do the rest.

Start where you are: All of us have some sphere of influence in our little corner of the world. Look around and you’ll see that God wants to work right where you are—it might be family, neighbors, or friends. He wants to use you for the good of others.

I say this as one who has currently been the recipient of the thoughtfulness of others. A perfect example is how our sweet neighbor, Vino is always looking out for us. This morning she called to tell me we had fire ant beds in our yard and asked if she could put something on the mounds to kill them. Of course, I gave her my blessing on that! There’s our neighbor, Emily who helped me greatly with determining what type of flowers and shrubs to plant after the big ice and snow event last February. Without Emily’s guidance, this lady with a black thumb would have been lost! We are so grateful for all that Vino and Emily have done for us. They are such great examples of caring neighbors. I want to be more like them!

Use what you have: God has gifted each of us in more ways than we can imagine. He will always be beside us and will lead and help us to use our gifts for the benefit of others, and for Himself. He will not waste the gifts He’s given us. We just have to be willing to let Him lead.

Do what you can: All of us have the potential to make a difference in someone else’s life. It may be that you need to stamp out your neighbors fire ants or help them make decisions about yard “things” they know nothing about! It may only be a smile, but badly needed by someone who is having a tough day. You NEVER know what another person is going through. Most of us are good at hiding those types of things, so remember to share your smiles and positive words to ALL whose paths you cross in the daily traffic lanes of your life. Let others see the Author and Finisher of your faith in all that you do.

God will do the rest: God is faithful and will always show Himself strong on our behalf. He will place others in our lives and use us for His good purposes. He only needs our availability. Nothing more. It is always amazing to me how the Holy Spirit sets these divine appointments for us.

Wherever you are today, you can make a difference for the Kingdom of God. He created you and me for relationship with Himself, and with others. I see no better time to show Christ’s love to others than right now, for these unprecedented times have caused much anxiety among the masses. Start where you are, let him take the reins, and be blessed in serving Him! It is absolutely the BEST thing you can do!!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, “You are Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darknesses, my God, that is who You are.”Thank You for the words to this song. They bring us a message that it is You who is our Mighty Fortress and the One who will use us for Your good purposes if only we’ll give ourselves over to You. Thank You for being with us and for helping us reach out to others who need encouragement and hope. We love You and praise You in all things. You are more than enough. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.