Today’s Scripture: 1 Peter 5:2-3, NIV- “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
Do you ever wonder who God wants you to be? In sales we often heard the Woody Allen quote “80 percent of success is showing up.” I have found this to be true whether this is in your vocation, exercise, family, friendships, prayer life, bible reading, calling, or anything worthwhile we must first be present.
Simply showing up before God is incalculable. This morning, I thought the dog woke me up early. Now I know it was not him at all. God desired my undivided attention. Bowed with my face to the floor I cried out to God to know His will and to know His Spirit was with me.
Suddenly, I remembered Samuel saying “Here I am” to the Lord’s calls. You may recall this story in 1 Samuel 3:4-10 where Eli told Samuel on the third time that he heard the Lord call his name to say “Speak, for Your servant hears.” Next, I sensed the Holy Spirit reassuring me He was present.
It is mind blowing how God gets us to where He wants us. Out of nowhere we humans can doubt our direction and abilities. Anything can make us question everything about ourselves. Is this where I am supposed to be and is this what I am to be doing?
As has been happening this week with this re:generation groundwork study, I smiled and shook my head as I turned to Day 4’s reading entitled “Keep coming back.” The message and prayer for the day were asking God to give us discipline and consistency. I thought this was interesting since just last evening I needed confirmation from God and His Holy Spirit.
The Key Scripture for this lesson is 1 Peter 5:10 “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (ESV)
Going back to 1 Peter 5:2 I felt like God was answering my internal questions. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;” (NIV)
I found myself telling God that I am willing and eager to do whatever You want me to do. God brought me back full circle to a time approximately fifteen years ago when I considered not blogging because no one “liked” my posts. In that moment God gave me peace and reminded me that I am only writing for a party of one, Him. Just keep showing up and give what I give to you. We can do as 1 Peter 5:7-8 tells us “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (BSB)
I felt His peace then and again now. Every day I ask God to give me His daily bread to feed His sheep. This is still what God wants me to do so I am willing. I also pray that you will be willing to show up for what God is calling you to do. Do not listen to any other voices, including your own.
Keep coming back to God and keep showing up for those under your care.
Today’s Prayer: Thank You Heavenly Father for calling us to show up for You. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that speaks for and through us. Please quieten any voices that attempt to cast doubts or rob us of what You will for us to do. Please help us to hear Your voice. Grant us Your power to do Your will. Here I am LORD, and I am willing to serve You and those You place in my care. Amen.
Amen. Praise God 🙌
Thank you! Amen!