A Time and Place for Everything
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” — Ecclesiastes 3:1
Elijha’s aggressiveness was because of the time he lived in. Daniel’s wisdom and understanding were given because of the kingdom he was placed in. God chooses people according to the situations he needs them for. Elisha was a farm worker until God needed a new prophet and John the baptist was a wild man who lived in the woods until it was time to usher in the coming of the Lord.
There is a time and a place for everything. I don’t believe John the baptist would be very effective in the present day if he remained the way he was back then. If he hit the streets of New York eating locust and honey and wearing camel skin, I don’t believe the business men wearing their $1,800 Armani suits would stop and listen. I don’t think Elijha would have much success speaking the word of the lord out in the Bronx; actually, I think that area would ultimately end up in flames with fire raining from heaven. God knows who is needed, where they are needed, and in what area they are needed. Daniel could not fill Elisha’s role, Samson would not have much luck filling Paul the Apostle’s shoes, and Jonah would not have choosen to face Goliath.
But make no mistake: they all played a very vital role in the kingdom and to God. Giving 1,000 people bible studies and baptizing them in the name of Jesus is just as valuable as raining fire on soldiers like Elijah — if not better.
Mabye we think that if we’re not performing miracles then we are worthless. That if we’re not preaching to a packed out stadium then we are not accomplishing our purpose. If we are not on stage saying “Thus saith the Lord!” then what is our worth?
Think of it this way: inside a car there are little things called spark plugs that cost about $5.00, but without those $5.00 parts your $40,000.00 vehicle doesn’t run. Those few inexpensive parts make the whole vehicle usable and drivable. It’s worthless without them. Without people who were financially blessed in the kingdom who pledged money to missionaries — even without other callings or spiritual gifts — that missionary that God used to give 20,000 people the Holy Ghost would have stayed home.
God knows who is needed and where they are needed. Your role in the kingdom is not by mistake. If you are sincerely trying your best to be obedient and follow the lord then you are right where God wants you. The Bible tells us that God is “not a respecter of persons,” which means that if all you do is witness to people then you are just as valuable to God as an international prophet performing miracles. Wherever that place is, God has a place for you.
I’m content being a small pixel in Gods big Picture!
I’m convinced you’re right and God has the plan. We can do our part so much more effectively when we save our energy for the right things. Thanks for the reminder.
Oh,yes, God does have His people and I agree totally that His work is intricate,,,,as small as a word, a look, a prayer makes a difference. It is only what I do for Him here that will count when I make it to heaven. I often remind myself of this to help me keep my self in check.