I was encouraged recently reading a passage in 1 Samuel 20:18-23, 35-42. If you know the story, it’s about David’s relationship with King Saul and about his friendship with Jonathan.
These specific verses deal with the question of whether the king wanted to kill David. Jonathan, the king’s son and David’s best friend, agreed to a test to discern the king’s heart. As a sign to David, Jonathan would shoot arrows into the field where David was hiding and a little boy would retrieve them. If he shot the arrows close to the boy, David was safe. If he shot the arrows far beyond the boy, David was in danger.
It’s a great story and I hope you will read it again. My purpose of this post is not the main theme of the story; my focus is the little boy. We tend to read this story for the purposes of David and Jonathan, and while they are certainly central characters in God’s story, so was the little boy.
This little boy was innocent in the matter…he was just doing what he was asked to do. The boy apparently had no idea the importance of the role he was playing at the time in protecting the future king of the Israelites. The little boy, however, was a kingdom builder without knowing it. God used Him in a mighty way, just for being willing to follow through on an assignment.
Have you stopped lately to consider the importance you play in God’s story? You may see your role as minor…perhaps you work in the parking lot ministry…you help with set up or tear down each week…you shake hands…you sweep the floor…you push buttons so another person can talk…you invite your friends to attend church with you…you offer to, and really do, pray for people. It may seem “unimportant” to you, but in God’s eyes, you are playing a vital role in His Kingdom.
Regardless of what you think of your abilities or position, you have the potential to be an important part of carrying out God’s plan through your local church. Most churches couldn’t do what they do without the sacrifices of people like you. You have opportunities the pastors never have. You have value. You have impact. You can advance the cause of Christ, just through your obedience.
Be encouraged with your service!
Twitter: bryankr
says:
Great reminder, Ron, thanks! Right now I feel just like the little boy: standing out in the field, wondering, what in the world am I doing here?! There's bound to be something better than this! Every now and again, I need a little shake up. Thanks!
Thank you for this encouraging post!
Thank you
Brilliant post, something I've really needed to be reminded of lately. We all play a role, and everyone is important to God, and to God's plan!
Thanks so much! I'll check out your blog.
God's relationship with the human race has no minor roles in it. By encouraging us to look beyond the "rank" of our service to God, you are pointing us to His heart. He loves each and every one of us, and His love is absolute! Thanks for your post, and have a wonderful weekend!
I love the line "pointing us to His heart". Hope I always do that!
great post, __after all, we were put here to glorify our father, shine his light through us in service to others and our lord.__I look forward to reading more of your content__God Bless____Mark Allen Roberts__www.nosmokeandmirrors.com
Thanks Mark. Checking out your site too!
Thanks for the reminder – definitely something I needed to hear today :o).
Great! Thanks!