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“…for me to live is Christ…”
(Philippians 1:21a)
Part One
Serving the Lord Jesus Christ anyway, anytime, anywhere – is the passion of a life that is sincerely yielded to God. Our availability and usability must be equally real. The Bible teaches us that we are each designed with the spiritual gifts needed for ministry and – personal joy!
Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
(John 15:11)
Each morning as you prayerfully express your availability to God, rewarding adventures will await you! Spiritual sensitivity is normally needed for every day’s fruitful service. The Bible explains, “… for it is God who works in you both to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13, NIV) Making ourselves available to the Lord is the tangible proof that our faith and love for Him are real. Paul explained,
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10)
Part Two
Our past failures, addictions, negative personality traits, and even our lack of experience present no obstacle to God. He has a purpose for every life! Remember, if you truly desire to be transformed and used – He possesses all the power needed to make you usable! The Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
God simply waits on our willingness to be used. That reality provides the potential for each new day’s ministry. The pathway to success is actually simple. The question is, “Are we ready to trust and obey?” When our answer is “Yes”- He will take care of all the rest! However, we must remember that every blessing comes to us in His timing, so plan to be productively patient when you ask for His leading. The Bible says,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
Part Three
As God’s child, it is your purpose to keep steadily growing as He continues to use you. Exercising your faith by trusting in His promises – is the key to becoming all that He desires. Consider the fact that before Paul could say, “For me to live is Christ…” (Philippians 1:21a) he first had to relinquish the ownership of his life!
“…I consider everything a loss because of the
surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…”
(Philippians 3:8)
Personal faith and surrender provide the – only way we can honestly say, “For me…to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21b) The depth of Paul’s confidence in the Lord – made him the dynamic Christian witness that he became. Ultimately, his example positively impacted the lives of many billions. In our own day, just as it was in his, setting an example of availability is exactly what the Lord is now asking from us as His disciples.
By Billie Hanks Jr.
