Yesterday we looked at how opposition can come along and distract us from our calling. But sometimes it can be good opportunities which distract us. There are so many ways we can serve the Lord, but we’re not called to do everything. God has a unique plan and purpose for us, and He created us with gifts and skills that will help us to be able to carry out that purpose. ‘For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Jesus uses the analogy of the human body to show us how the body of Christ works (you can read about this in 1 Corinthians 12). The eye is for seeing, not hearing. The nose is for smelling, not speaking. In the same way, our calling won’t necessarily be the same as someone else’s. We each have our own calling. Opportunities may arise for us to do something new, and if God’s calling us to that then we need to step out and have a go. But if God’s calling us to keep focused on what He’s already called us to, then we need to say ‘no’. Just because people are saying we should serve in a certain way doesn’t mean that God is telling us to. It’s okay to say ‘no’, if we don’t feel like God wants us to get involved. Sometimes we can be people-pleasers and say ‘yes’ to every opportunity and demand. But that can cause us to become exhausted and bitter. Instead we need to be asking God whether we should move into new opportunities or not. Sometimes we just need to stay focused on the task God has already given us to do.

What Now?

Next time an opportunity to serve in a new way comes about, make sure you spend some time asking God whether it’s something He wants you to get involved with.