When I made the decision to start attending church, it was with the sole intention to “live right so I don't die and go to hell". That was pretty much all the plans I had. There were no thoughts of me doing anything in church. Nor had I any recollection of the need to get the Holy Ghost. My aim was just go to church and be a good God loving Christian. Nothing more, nothing less. My idea of what it meant to “live right” was: not being in an extramarital relationship, maybe not going to parties and listening to “clean” music; simple enough…right?

I was in search of peace which I found in attending church every service night. One night, while walking to church, one of the ministers, who was also on his way to church, met me and we had conversation. He said, "Woman of God, you need to hurry up and get the Holy Ghost. There is work in the kingdom for you to do!" I'm not sure if in that moment I laughed like Sarah did ...What work could there possibly be for ME to do for God?

I never forgot that moment in the conversation because it sort of propelled me to want more; it fueled a passion for labour in the Kingdom. Some 4 years later, I am still asking the Lord, like Saul "What wilt thou have me to do?" Not incredulously this time; but actively seeking to know what His plans are for my life. The Apostle Paul, at the time of his conversion, asked this very important question of the Lord; since he had been so devoted to the mission of persecuting the Church: what exactly was he to do with his new life? (Acts 9:6)

Passion or drive, has to be directed at a specific target in order it to be effective. As such, God has plans in place and ways in which He wants things done. The scripture advises us in Matthew 7:7-8, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” There has to be some inquiring that is done to ensure that you are on the right path (Proverbs 3:6).

The Lord has given to each individual varying skills, talents and passions. So that, collectively we edify and help build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). It is a beautiful thing to see a machine properly run. When the parts are oiled and operating efficiently, it can even be considered an art. So too should the body of Christ operate when all its members are in the right place and functioning at an optimal level.

What would You have me do? The response to this question should not be deemed to be too big or too small...sweep the sanctuary, visit an ailing sister, preach at a conference in a different country! Whatever the plans are that the Lord has for you, He has already made provision to that end. This does not mean that things will go smoothly and you won't face opposition, but it does mean that you should be steadfast in your work for the Lord. The enemy will work to hinder you and limit you in any way he can by placing obstacles in your path to cause a setback. However, with constant prayer and faith in God, the plans He has for you will unfold beautifully. The Lord told the prophet Jeremiah that even before he was born his path was already laid out...Jeremiah was ordained a prophet before birth. This was a hard saying for Jeremiah as he was young. The Lord advised him of some of the things he would have to go through, but the Lord also mentioned that He would always be there for him (Jeremiah 1:19).

Fear can at times cripple us and prevent us from actually pursuing our destiny. We may at times become comfortable with being Brother John or Sister Jane, and would much rather sit in obscurity while we please the Lord by "living right". But is it possible to please the Lord when we are not walking along the path that he has prepared for us? Would this not be considered disobedience? Oftentimes we feel that there is a higher calling on our life but the fear of the unknown would have us sit in comfort while spiders build webs on the path to our destiny.

The idea is not to be considered a “big shot” or to think of ourselves more highly than you ought. Instead, we should consider, what does Jesus want me to do? What does a life surrendered to Jesus look like for me? For brother Paul, he was appointed an apostle, preacher and teacher to the Gentiles (1 Timothy 2:7). What was once a life devoted to destruction, was now bringing salvation to people across the world. Paul was heavily afflicted during his ministry, however, he remained steadfast as he traversed the path that was laid out for him. Towards the end of his life Paul wrote, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith..." (2 Timothy 4:7)

We do not know where the will of the Lord will take us, but we should trust Him. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the thoughts that I think, toward you," saith the LORD, "thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." We must always trust that the Lord has the very best of intentions for us and that "all things work together for good to them that love God and are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:2).

A good servant will consult his Master to see if there is anything else that is needed and if he is satisfied with the service. In like manner, we should endeavor to please the Lord in our service by humbly doing what he asks of us. Hebrew 12:28 states, "Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."

Finally my brethren, let's begin to think about the path that we are on. Let us pray that whatever is in our lives that is out of order be placed back into alignment as we seek to do the will of God.

Lord, What can I do for you?

“My stubborn will at last hath yielded
I would be Thine and Thine alone
And this the prayer my lips are bringing
Lord, let in me Thy will be done"
Refrain: "Sweet will of God, still fold me closer,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee.”

Sources:
The Bible. Authorized King James Version, Oxford UP, 1998.
The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/s/w/e/sweetwog.htm)
Review and Herald Publishing Association, The Gospel in Song, 1926 (257)

If you had all the time in the world, what would you do? All too often the common complaint of man is that there isn't enough time in a day, or that they are too busy. Many times, these complaints are expressed with a sense of dismay as persons would really want to devote time to the Lord. What if a scenario was created that would prevent you from being able to work, attend social activities or even go to your favourite chill out spot...would you spend some time with the Lord then?

In 2020 a bizarre thing happened; suddenly, more than half the globe had more free time than ever before. Many caught up on much needed rest, some took the time to finally do a course they had always been interested in, others took time to spring clean. How much of this new found time however was spent with God?

The pandemic that spread across the globe, resulted in entire countries enacting laws permitting persons to leave their homes only if absolutely necessary. Once outdoors they would he required to wear personal protective equipment and sanitize themselves frequently.

The fear factor, drove many to recommit their lives to Christ. Some contacted long lost friends and family members to catch up and address tensions from the past. It was a time of reconciliation and soul searching for many, while others worked grueling hours on the frontlines in hospitals and witnessed firsthand the toll of the pandemic.

What would YOU do if you had all the time in the world? I suppose the Christian thing to say would be...spend more time with God. Spending more time with God? What exactly does that look like? Some research was done, the following are the most popular responses with regards to how people spent their time:

• Read the bible and pray

• Learn new worship songs

• Witness to colleagues through social media

• Read inspirational literature

• Enter into a series of fasting

These are all great ways to foster a better relationship with our Father. Children have a particularly annoying habit of probing...asking questions to learn something new, especially with their parents. Constantly asking: who, what, where, when, how and oh my the WHY? Many parents however appreciate that the child comes to them with the questions and not someone else.

Off topic? Not really. The relationship we should strive to perfect is the one between a father and his child. Unfortunately, the value placed on this type of relationship has diminished over time. Jesus however is our perfect example.

Master. When Saul was on his journey to Damascus, he had an encounter with the Lord. So bizarre was his encounter, that he had to inquire who it is that he was speaking with..."I am Jesus whom thou persecutest". (Acts 9:5) It was upon this revelation of Jesus Christ that Saul was converted. He then sought to build a relationship with the Lord by spending time in isolation with Him and thereby being enlightened.

Paul saw himself as a prisoner of Christ, not by any means helpless but rather completely surrendered to the will of God for his life. Paul noted that he was the chief of all sinners for what he had done in persecuting the early church. That zeal that was once used to persecute the church would now be used to fuel his mission of leading souls to Christ.

It might very well be possible to be in a crowd and have the feeling that you are by yourself. So it is possible to spend time with the Lord around others. There is no better time than that spent alone with the one you love. Lover. "My meditation of Him shall be sweet" (Psalm 104:34). King David, a man after God's own heart, the great psalmist. As a lad enjoyed being alone with the Lord...and his sheep. It was written that David blew kisses to the Lord and had frequent conversations during his time out in the fields. What further cemented David's love for the Lord was his testimony of all that the Lord had brought him through...and David had been through a lot! It is in these moments of reflection that David was able to pen absolutely beautiful pieces about who God had been to him and by extension to Israel as a nation.

Friend. Abraham too, went through a conversion. His however, was one of turning from idols to serve the true and living God. Abraham's relationship with the Lord was of such that when it came to Sodom, the Lord felt compelled to tell "his friend" what he would be doing as he knew the impact the destruction would have on him. Abraham responded with the news of the impending destruction by pleading with the Lord to not destroy the city of Sodom as his nephew would have been lost. This is significant, as it shows the level of conversation that Abraham had with the Lord; truly showing the depth of the relationship. The Lord is sovereign! He is mighty, all seeing, all knowing, all powerful...yet still mindful of his friend.

So, what would you do if you had all the time in the world? Let us spend some time alone with God today.

"Alone with God, the world forbidden,

Alone with God, O blest retreat!

Alone with God, and in Him hidden,

To hold with Him communion sweet."

Sources: The Cyber Hymnal (http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/a/l/o/alonegod.htm) Faith Publishing House, Evening Light Songs, 1949, edited 1987 (490)