Did you ever dream of being a star of some sort when you were young? I wanted to be a singer and actress when I was young. Then I wanted to be a writer and then a pastry chef. I ended up in culinary school, but still like the art of acting and writing is still something I very much enjoy.
What many of us fail to realize is that whether the whole world knows us or not, God has indeed put us on a platform in one area of our lives or another. It may be at home, at work, ministry, or anywhere we spend a significant amount of time in. Somewhere in our circle of influence, is an audience waiting to hear the Word of God coming out of OUR mouths. They may not know it. But WE should.
I can look back and see how God has used the last 5 years I have been volunteering at my son's school, to open up doors that could have never been open any other way, so that His Word could be preached. Not because He needs me, but because He can use a willing heart and that is humbling. That He could use a wretched sinner, saved by grace like me, is humbling. That He could use any of us that are willing, is humbling. Not for our glory or selfish ambition, but for His name to be lifted high. I had a mom who attended the Vintage Blossom Tea Party last week with her daughter tell me a couple of days ago that I should have meetings for moms who need to an attitude adjustment. I chuckled at the way she said it, but appreciate her honesty and her desire to see this happen! God amazes me! He opens doors we never could.
When I feel inadequate or unprepared I remind myself that it is not my doing or intellect that will do the work. It is God by His Holy Spirit that goes out to turn people to Himself and He can use anyone He wishes. I am NOT Holy Spirit Junior.
Are we willing to go though? Are we willing to use whatever platform He gives us, whether it's a fancy one or not? Are we even aware of the platform or are we trying to move it from its current position or location?
An overwhelmed mother might fail to see the beauty in the responsibility she has over her household. That's her platform; the influence she has.
A supervisor somewhere at work might fail to see the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus because he/she is too preoccupied with meeting goals and deadlines.
A school employee might be too worried about being politically correct and not crossing certain boundaries to see their platform.
The list is endless because we all fail to see our platforms many times. Attitude and perspective are important. Do they need to change? It's certainly not God who needs to change. He didn't make a mistake in allowing us to be born in the time we came into this world. You are where you are for a reason, for a purpose, and maybe because of your own choices. God can use our mistakes to bring about His plan.
Where in your personal life has God given you a platform? Are you a volunteer somewhere? Do you work? Do you have friends? Would it be possible to meet with a group of friends or acquaintances on a regular basis to have fellowship? This offers the biggest platform often because they already know and trust you enough to spend time with you and yet this is also one of the platforms most often overlooked. Our excuses range from, "I don't have time," to, "My place is too small." These are poor excuses. I've learned that people want and need to spend time with friends and talk. They may not say it, but they need it. We all do. Sometimes all it takes is someone to suggest it. Look at it from a different perspective; you're not doing it for yourself (though you will definitely be blessed), but for the love of others and your desire to help them come closer to God.
His love should compel us to do good works and take every opportunity given to us to use our platforms wisely. In Jesus' name, may it be so!
Esther 4:14- "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this."
In Christ,
Cynthia
What many of us fail to realize is that whether the whole world knows us or not, God has indeed put us on a platform in one area of our lives or another. It may be at home, at work, ministry, or anywhere we spend a significant amount of time in. Somewhere in our circle of influence, is an audience waiting to hear the Word of God coming out of OUR mouths. They may not know it. But WE should.
I can look back and see how God has used the last 5 years I have been volunteering at my son's school, to open up doors that could have never been open any other way, so that His Word could be preached. Not because He needs me, but because He can use a willing heart and that is humbling. That He could use a wretched sinner, saved by grace like me, is humbling. That He could use any of us that are willing, is humbling. Not for our glory or selfish ambition, but for His name to be lifted high. I had a mom who attended the Vintage Blossom Tea Party last week with her daughter tell me a couple of days ago that I should have meetings for moms who need to an attitude adjustment. I chuckled at the way she said it, but appreciate her honesty and her desire to see this happen! God amazes me! He opens doors we never could.
When I feel inadequate or unprepared I remind myself that it is not my doing or intellect that will do the work. It is God by His Holy Spirit that goes out to turn people to Himself and He can use anyone He wishes. I am NOT Holy Spirit Junior.
Are we willing to go though? Are we willing to use whatever platform He gives us, whether it's a fancy one or not? Are we even aware of the platform or are we trying to move it from its current position or location?
An overwhelmed mother might fail to see the beauty in the responsibility she has over her household. That's her platform; the influence she has.
A supervisor somewhere at work might fail to see the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus because he/she is too preoccupied with meeting goals and deadlines.
A school employee might be too worried about being politically correct and not crossing certain boundaries to see their platform.
The list is endless because we all fail to see our platforms many times. Attitude and perspective are important. Do they need to change? It's certainly not God who needs to change. He didn't make a mistake in allowing us to be born in the time we came into this world. You are where you are for a reason, for a purpose, and maybe because of your own choices. God can use our mistakes to bring about His plan.
Where in your personal life has God given you a platform? Are you a volunteer somewhere? Do you work? Do you have friends? Would it be possible to meet with a group of friends or acquaintances on a regular basis to have fellowship? This offers the biggest platform often because they already know and trust you enough to spend time with you and yet this is also one of the platforms most often overlooked. Our excuses range from, "I don't have time," to, "My place is too small." These are poor excuses. I've learned that people want and need to spend time with friends and talk. They may not say it, but they need it. We all do. Sometimes all it takes is someone to suggest it. Look at it from a different perspective; you're not doing it for yourself (though you will definitely be blessed), but for the love of others and your desire to help them come closer to God.
His love should compel us to do good works and take every opportunity given to us to use our platforms wisely. In Jesus' name, may it be so!
Esther 4:14- "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this."
In Christ,
Cynthia
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