Have you ever been given an opportunity that you never thought you’d do? Un-nerving opportunities that you can’t do on your own? That’s been me. The RiceNBeans location that I serve at had to change locations for unforeseeable reasons. In the Rock Hill location we are now serving inside where there is a large kitchen. The people can come in and get cooled off in the air conditioned meeting area and have ice water and a meal. At this new location we also get to do a short devotion with the people. It’s a chance for “spiritual food” along with a warm meal. Pastor Daryl asked me if I would lead the devotions. I didn’t realize he meant every week. I honestly texted him recently to let him know I was thinking about stopping with volunteering. Let me explain a bit. Before we were meeting at a bust stop and I was busy doing “hands on” things that didn’t require me to hear people. The cooking and passing out food was easy for me.
In our new location it is a new dynamic where we let our wonderful volunteers to really get involved so they are busy and enjoy their experience. I’m not gifted with “directing” people so I felt like it wasn’t a good fit. I was asked to do the devotions and that is something I can do, with a lot of direction and help from the Lord. The thing about doing the devotions; I can’t see well enough to see the peoples response, I can’t tell if I’m speaking loud enough in the large room, I have a hard time seeing what I’ve prepared and have to zoom in large on my iPad. Bottom line…. it is un-nerving. With all these things, the devil had a good time of making me question if I was reaching the people and if I made any sense at all. A few weeks ago I asked Pastor Daryl if we could give out Bibles and that night we gave them all out except for one. Another night I felt so uncomfortable when the Lord prompted me to tell the people I’d be glad to pray with them if they wanted to accept Jesus. I was obedient and did what the Lord asked but not a single person approached me for prayer but one lady gave me a hug. In a sense I kind of felt like Jonah, wanting to run far away from this challenge but I didn’t. Every time I have spoken the Lord has given me the scripture to share.
Earlier today I did not know they wanted me to do devotions today but when I found out, scripture immediately came to me. I spoke briefly on our “thought life”. Our minds are bombarded with all kinds of thoughts all the times, but we don’t have to let them make a “nest” in our heads. I shared with the the following scripture. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (ESV). I looked at a cross reference and saw the New Living Translation says to “fix your thoughts”. We have a choice in what we allow to stay in our minds. Choose what is lovely, pure, just, commendable, praise worthy etc. I also shared 2 Corinathians 10:5 with them that says, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV) We have authority to take our wayward thoughts captive. I always try to throw in a true story or two to demonstrate the point. Tonight I shared about when we went to a little place within the campground at the beach last week to get some hamburgers for lunch. We ordered then sat at a picnic table to eat. The cashier was a “ray of sunshine”. She was so sweet and friendly and that set the stage for the experience. The food was NOT good. The hamburgers were cold as if they had been cookened then put in a refrigerator. However the lettuce was crisp and the tomatoe was also good. I laughed and told Ron the lettuce and tomatoe were the best part. It’s all a matter of perspective. Choose to find the good in things and it helps things go better.
Not sure what God is preparing me for, but I’m thankful for His grace, strength and wisdom to know when the devil is trying to make me “throw in the towel”. Not a chance. I’m going to keep serving as long as the Lord keeps this door open. It’s stretching me but He’s growing me for something and I’m honored and humble to be along for the journey. Don’t give up! Don’t quit. Be strong and courageous. God is with us wherever we go. Be blessed and better yet, Be a Blessing! Good night!
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