Devotional by Lauren Webb
Scripture for Today: I Peter 4:10 (NIV), “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
I had absolutely no intention of serving at VBS this time around.
We had only been visiting for a few months when the desperate plea for workers came from the pulpit. They were expecting a record-breaking number of children and needed help.
My teenage daughter turned to me with her big doe eyes and shining bracketed smile and said, “Let’s do it, Mom! Let’s serve together.” How do you say no to that, right?
At the end of the last day, I found myself tired and emotionally drained. Serving in this capacity does not fill my cup. But more than that, I had been struggling lately with where God was calling me to join in His kingdom work.
I felt I wasn’t doing anything, that day included. I felt like a placeholder, or worse, a babysitter. My prayers were filled with requests for wisdom and guidance.
As dismissal began, I hugged, high-fived, and waved as the children were picked up for the last time. I was caught off guard when one mother reached out and firmly grabbed my arm. “Thank you for this week,” she began. Her eyes started to fill with tears, so she paused to collect herself. “Just…thank you.”
She then swept all three of her kids quickly away and disappeared into the crowd.
I don’t know her story or what was happening in her life, but the sincerity and gratitude expressed were evidence that God had provided a form of mercy for her exact need. The Spirit stirred within my own heart, and my eyes filled with tears as I watched her leave.
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV), “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
The offering of my gift in service was a literal extension of God’s grace from heaven through my body to another. I had the privilege of participating as an ambassador. But even more than that, when we as believers freely offer our time, our treasures, our talents, and our testimonies, we are allowed to participate in our sanctification process. For our transformation is not just one moment in time—it’s a journey.
Through the gratitude of this young mother, I too was offered grace and mercy from God in Heaven. He let me know that my offering, although small, had great value to Him.
Be encouraged, women of faith. When we serve in all the various forms, we are being made more and more into the likeness of Christ, and He is pleased with us as we learn to become faithful ministers of His grace.
Reflection Questions:
- Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. If you are struggling to understand where God is calling you to minister, commit to prayer for seven days, asking Him to show you where He wants you to serve. Then be brave, my sister, and go for it!
- How are you using your TIME, TALENT, TREASURE, and TESTIMONY for God’s kingdom? If you’re not sure, choose one to focus on. Ask God to grant you an opportunity in one of these areas.
- God has plans and works for each of us who call on His name. Our expectations of what that looks like can get in the way of our obedience. What practices can you set in place to safeguard your walk in faith? Use Romans 12:2.