A great many believers sit back and watch the work get done by others.I suppose there are many reasons why. Some excuses:Perhaps confidence is missing in their life – filled with the feeling of inadequacy; they don’t know enough about the word or haven’t been a Christian for a long enough time.They don’t ‘feel’ directed or led to take on a service, especially if it is out of their comfort zone.Is this you or someone you know?
By the examples of scripture we are left without excuse. Looking at Noah:Gen. 6:9 Noah was a just man who walked with God.He was married with a family-a wife, three sons and their wives.The earth was filled with wickedness; so much so that God was grieved (vs. 6) and he was sorry he created man except for Noah.His goodness must have stood out among all of the corruption for God chose Noah to build an Ark…not just any boat but a BiiiiiGGGG boat!An ark…a what?!!!
The earth had never flooded before; it had never stormed from the heavens.Noah had never seen an ‘ark’ – yet Noah was obedient to the will of God and was rewarded for his faithfulness.Noah and his family were saved from the devastation that would come. Now you may be thinking that you would love to serve God more but you’re too old.I don’t think that is an acceptable excuse.Read verses 6, 7 “Noah was 600 years old when the flood waters were on the earth.”I rest my case.
OR:If I were to be committed to Christ in such a way to serve Him unquestionably my family and friends would mock me; I don’t want to appear foolish.
Can you imagine Noah’s neighbors…their reactions watching him build a boat in the middle of their neighborhood because ‘God had told him that mankind was going to be destroyed…can you imagine the snickering and back stabbing that probably went on?Surely his family paid the same price because of ‘Crazy goodie two shoes Noah’.Still, Noah was obedient.
What did you say your excuse was?
The story of Noah is one lone example of someone stepping out in faith, unaware of how or why God had given him such a great task.
There are many examples in scriptures of men and women trusting God and serving in many capacities.If your task is easy you wouldn’t need God in it but if it is difficult enough that you must include God; accomplished it will bring him glory.
Need more scriptural examples?Read about: Moses was called to free Israel from bondage – Exodus 3 Joshua was call on to lead Israel into Canaan – Joshua 1 Othniel was called to defeat the Mesopotamians – Judges 3 Ehud, was called to defeat the Moabites – Judges 3 Deborah and Barak were called on to defeat the Canaanites – Judges 4 Gideon was called to defeat the Midianites – Judges 6 and Esther was call on to save her people from extermination by the Persians! Esther 4
This is only a small list of those written about in the Bible who had to step up to the plate often times feeling less than adequate.
Perhaps you think you have a good excuse not to serve.When you do not serve where God plants you or directs you then chalk that up to disobedience.
Examples of excuses: As offered by Moses when he did not want to go into Egypt – Exodus 3:11; 4:1, 10 As offered by Aaron for constructing the golden calf idol.– Exodus 32:22-24 As offered by the ten spies for not entering the Promised Land – Numbers 13:31-33 As offered by Elijah for hiding in a cave – I Kings 19:10 As offered by an unfaithful servant for fruitless labor – Matt. 25:24, 25
Excuses are not new to God.When you think you cannot speak up remember what he said to Moses in Exodus 4:11, 12“So the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind?Have not I, the Lord?Now therefore, go and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (NKJV)
I guess that should make us think.When we are too busy, too tired, feeling insecure; when we think we lack talent or education…remember that He is aware of your needs, circumstances and will.The best thing you can do is be honest with yourself and trust God to make you capable for anything he calls you to do.
If you are lacking peace and feeling left out then get involved with God’s work.It is guaranteed to put purpose back into your life and bring great joy to your heart.
How can serving God do that?Because when you serve you are being obedient to his Word; when you are disobedient you grieve the Spirit of God. You have been given a skill or talent or knowledge to serve Him?Perhaps you have been given all three.Don’t waste time juggling excuses or looking for reasons you can’t serve…they won’t hold up under the Father’s scrutiny.Instead…enjoy the privilege of serving the King of King’s – your Lord and Savior!It counts for eternity.
Walking in Peace / division of C.O.P.E. Women's Ministries Sue Puff, author