As I think about God's power, I begin to think about the multitude of needs in our leadership circle alone. We pray for his power sanctify us from our sinful natures to a one who loves Him above all things and desires to be more like him. We pray for his power to heal the many ailments of those in our circle, our families, friends and even our neighborhoods and country. Those ailments range from physical pain, broken marriages or marriages on the verge of breaking apart. Suffering from wayward children who are lost and floundering to find their way. Suffering from poverty - loss of jobs or even great wealth that can present much temptation. We pray for those suffering from the loss of loved ones and those with sickness on the verge of death. We pray for removal of depression and loneliness and joy in service. We pray for his power to bring new and eternal life to those who are unsaved, those who do not know him. And we pray for his power to help governments, entities, churches, leaders and those in need of spiritual and emotional help. As much as we pray though, sometimes it seems we forget just how powerful he really is. Sometimes we feel forsaken and troubled.
I've recently had a medical procedure and needed temporary bed res. As I lay in bed thinking about what I've been learning about God, I decided to re-watch the story of Mother Teresa on the Internet. I had seen this story before but decided to watch again. I'm so glad I did because I was able to view it with a different perspective.
Mother Teresa was called to serve God at a young age. She knew her calling and without reservation, committed to that call. She was from Kosovo but felt called to India in her service to God. As you all know, she was drawn through great compassion to serve those who are forgotten, unwanted, unloved, unfed and the poorest of poor. She also suffered. She suffered great loneliness and felt forsaken by her Lord. No matter her suffering, her commitment without reservation to the God she loved and trusted never wavered. She was humble and her single focus was her service to God. When once asked to be interviewed by a radio reporter, she took the pencil from the reporter's hand and said, "I am just a pencil in the hand of God. Those there (the poor), are who you should interview."
That phrase struck me like a lightening bolt and I began to think about that pencil in God's hand. As I began to compare it with my service (though nothing in comparison to the humble, sacrificial service of Mother Teresa), I began to see a vision of what God has called me to do or be in BS (my service).
God is the Divine who holds the pencil in His hand. He is the creator, the Master who has the power to control all things and has the power to direct and use the pencil to lead, guide, inform, show compassion on and direct His universe.
As I looked at that pencil and began to compare it to the leadership in class 721, I see such great similarity. The tip/point of that pencil is our teaching leader, heading/leading the leaders and class members in the direction the Master chooses to reveal Himself to us all. The covering of the pencil is the administrative team who holds together, surrounds in love and keeps the lead straight and on path so His Word is made visible to all. The flecks of lead are the leaders, group and children's, who are laid out as the Master directs, giving out words, love, compassion and gentleness.
We, together as class leaders, simply make up a pencil in the hand of our Lord. Each a speckle of lead, used and directed by Him.
It doesn't matter what our suffering, God can still use each of us for His will and His purpose. We are bound to each other to make a strong instrument/tool for His service. His power sustains our color/intensity to be used by Him in the lives of those we serve. When we feel weak, He is strong. When we feel alone, He is omnipresent. When we feel overwhelmed/burdened, He carries us. And when we feel self sufficient, He breaks us down to look up to Him. His power to be all and do all is so prevalent in every aspect of our life and service, we can only be grateful He chooses to allow us to be the "fleck" of lead in the Creator's pencil.
"I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant" (Gen. 32:10)
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Is. 6:8)
Humbled and unworthy, I am grateful to be but a fleck in my Master's hand.
