December 15 -- "Your Part vs God's Part"

 Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 19

"Your Part vs God's Part"

David and his troops were undergoing some difficult battles. As the clashes became more and more challenging, David’s army leaders (Joab and Abishai) devised an ingenious military strategy – we will do our part and let God do His part. With these words, they acknowledged that victory comes only when we diligently use the strength we have, while we let the Lord use His strength to bring the victory. They acknowledged that they were responsible for their personal efforts, but God was responsible for the results.

This is a lesson we must all learn – that God is responsible for the outcome. We are to diligently serve Him and use our spiritual gifts to serve the Body of Christ – but it is up to Him how things turn out. This doesn’t mean you don’t have a part to play. You do! His will is for you is to be on the spiritual front lines, using your strength to support the cause of Christ. We are repeatedly called to take action in our Christian walk. Psalm 2:11 says, " Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling." Romans 12:11 exhorts us to, “Not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” These are commands for each of us to take action. We are not called to sit on the sidelines and watch God win the game. We are called to “get off the bench” use the skills and strength that we have. But, at the same time, we must let God decide the outcome.

We must learn to let the Lord do what seems good to Him. He has given you certain spiritual gifts and you must discover those gifts and use them with all of your strength to serve the Lord. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” (Romans 12:6)  Is your gift prophecy? Then prophesy in proportion to your faith. Is your gift serving? Then serve others with all your heart. Is your gift teaching? Then diligently hand out the truth of God to others through your teaching. Whatever your gift may be, “I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6).  

But always remember – God is responsible for the outcome. Two individuals may both have the gift of evangelism. God may use one to preach in giant stadiums to thousands of people, while at the same time using the other to quietly lead his coworker to Christ. The results are not your responsibility – they are His!

So, dear follower of Christ, don’t focus on the numbers. Don’t focus on the outcomes. You have your part. God has His part. Your part is to focus on diligently using your skills and strength to do the task the Lord has set before you. Use your strength for His people and His kingdom and His purposes, and may the Lord do what seems good to Him.