Where do I fit?

Happy Monday!!  How was your weekend?  We had a funeral for an awesome lady from our church, Verna Horrigan.  It was beautiful to hear the stories of her life and the heart of so many we loved her and were loved by her.  Pastor Tom shared how she was the heart of the church and how others would have to step up.  


I sat there and wondered what my place was. I don't think she intentionally set out to be the heart, it was a natural result to Verna being Verna.  Just like in the natural body, organs don't line up and draw straws or vote who gets to be the foot or the kidney or the eye.  I think in the church we, too often, fight for a position or job, instead of allowing it to flow out of who we are and be a natural result of God working in our lives.  


God has the people who will step up and be His heart in our church, but where do I fit?  I am reminded about the book by Henry Blackaby, "Experiencing God."  In it, he shares how God is at work everywhere and He asks us to join Him where we see Him working.  Do you see a need or gap?  Then fill it.  There are opportunities all around us to join Him anywhere, anytime. 


Is there something that you really enjoy doing? Or when you hear about a specific thing, you get all excited?  Maybe, just maybe, God is kicking you in the pants to get involved in that.  Don't let what others will think or say stop you.  They're going to talk anyway, it might as well be about you obeying God.  Even if they don't get it, you and God will!  


"But Samuel replied: Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the the voice of the Lord?  To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."  
                                                                                   1 Samuel 15:22


Another thing that can stop us from finding our place is how we are not authentic to who we are.  We are trying to be what others think we should be, or maybe who we think we should be.  It will be like the two step-sisters in Cinderella,  the shoe won't fit no matter how hard we try.  Ever walk all day in shoes that don't fit?  Your feet hurt and your toes are so smooshed it takes days to straighten out.  Being someone other than who God created us to be will bring hurt in our lives and frustration with the church, (or work, home, community) and ultimatley with God, unless we allow Him to straighten out the mess we made.  


God is not glorified if we are imitating others.  He made each of us unique!  If we are too busy trying to be someone other than who we are, we are basically telling God that we're not good enough how He made us.  Now, the real kicker to this is that God doesn't want us perfect, He said to be holy.  He wants us to be known for who we really are, weaknesses and all.  Scary, isn't it?!?!?


"But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy."  1 Peter 1:15&16


So, I may not know where I fit excatly, but I will keep listening for needs around me and be obedient to what I hear God saying.  My place will come naturally and flow.  I pray that you will allow God to first, encourage you...you are just right for what He has for you and second, that you will be willing to join Him in His work reaching people with His love and purpose for them.  


May God bless you mightly in all you do!


Have a fab day!
All my love ~ 
Jodi xoxo