Post by CHRISSY SIGGEE on Jul 26, 2009 2:19:23 GMT -5
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
When Isaiah was free from the burden of his sin, he found a new passion to serve God. He wanted to do something that would extend His Kingdom. Where does our excitement go when we first become believers?
We have attended a variety of churches because of our constant moving with Norm’s job. Some churches were small, some large, while others were continuously growing. Most churches pray or their congregations to grow and for God to bring in leaders to help with the growth, yet those who had been praying for growth and the move of God continue to wait and keep their pews warm. When the Pastor pleads for help, everyone has excuses. When asked to greet visitors, take up the offering, or to help with the morning tea after church, no one wants to help. The roster for the Children’s ministries gets shorter, while attendance increases. It’s always someone else’s turn. There’s no enthusiasm for the opportunities of service to God. Instead, it’s left to the same few loyal servants.
In one place we attended many of the congregation complained about the noise level of babies in church, but no one wanted to start a crèche. I was told it was my job to run a crèche because I had a young child who needed it. I agree, in principle, but like so many mothers, I was rarely given the opportunity to worship God or to hear a message from His Word. I know exactly why some of our young mother’s don’t come to church anymore. They spend every minute of every day with their child. All they want is an hour to worship the Father or to hear His Word.
Who is willing to respond enthusiastically to the opportunities of service to God, instead of making excuses and letting others do the work? Don’t be a nobody. Don’t leave everything to someone else. Find the joy of doing something for God. Be a servant to others. How hard is it to make the worship leader a cup of coffee after church so they don’t need to stand in a queue? When was the last time you picked up the phone and inquired about a sick family who couldn’t make it to church? How often do you drive right past a church attendee’s home that can’t drive anymore?
There’s something we can all do for His Kingdom. We don’t need to cross the world to serve. Sometimes, a step across the church aisle to embrace an unsettled infant so its mother can sit in His presence is all that’s needed to make a difference in someone’s life.
Father, help me not to become complacent in my serving. Show me what I can do to extend Your Kingdom in my own church and community. Don’t let me become a ‘nobody,’ leaving the work to someone else. Here am I Lord, send me. Amen.
© Chrissy Siggee
Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible