What would you have me do?

Much of life is hard, and we ask “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Then we must believe in the beauty of Romans 8:28 ‘all things work for good, for those who love God. . .’ to cope with the hard knocks.  At least for now, I can confidently say, I know God will work things out for His will to be done.  This recent study though caused me to reflect on the question I struggle with, “What would God have me do in His service?”

"Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.' " Joshua 1:11

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.  Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:12-16

Focus on this question, prayer, and reading did not result in a definite answer, but some principles are very apparent from the Bible. 

1.         We are called to work for the gospel.  The Great Commission calls us all to go into the world declaring the gospel.  In Philippians above, it says God works is us so we will desire, and do (works) for his good pleasure. (We are not working to gain the gospel, but furthering it in His service.)

2.         God gives us a work to do.  Each believer is delivered a gift from the Holy Spirit, and this gift is to be exercised in the church body.  God declares that His gifts are to build the body into fullness.  It is also important to note that it is not ‘What I want to do’ but God who gives the assignments.  He equips you along the way.

3.         Only a select few are called into full-time service, but everyone is called into service.  Christians are to be a nation of priests because of our lives in front of others; above it says ‘in the midst of a crooked . . . generation.’    Our secular work should be above reproach so that we would be called ‘blameless.’  This will cause us to be a shining light in the darkness, and when we are asked why, we can say we are working for God.  ‘Holding fast the Word of life’ will allow scripture to encourage us in discouraging days, praise God for His provisions, and give us words to speak with opportunity.  ‘Possess the Land!’