I'm currently in Santorini, Greece and I'm in love with traveling. It allows me to truly embrace other cultures, see the world from another lens and embrace God's creations on another level.
A simple photo memory from 4 years ago in Ghana, South America popped up on my phone. It was a ministry trip. I instantly thought of ways that God used me during that trip. The first was at lunch where My Pastor, her best friend who was a Pastor as well, her husband who is a Bishop, and myself were discussing our plans for the day. Our waitress stopped in her tracks and asked us for prayer. She mentioned that she tried to commit suicide the week before and we used that opportunity to instantly minister, pray and encourage her.
The next was in a school supply store. In Ghana, they have to purchase books for the students. A lady catches my attention and I was lead to speak to her. She mentioned that she's a teacher and she's buying books for her students. I asked the price for the supplies, she told me and I offered to purchase them. She fell to the floor and started to cry. I asked her to get up and tried to comfort her. She said that she prayed the night before because her daughter told her that she would buy books for her students but what about her supplies. I told her that God sent me there to bless her. A Minister and I provided her with additional resources and it blessed us to be a blessing to her.
So on this trip... I'm looking for opportunities to be a blessing. Ok, God how do you want to use me?
You don't need to travel to be a blessing. I encourage you to ask God right where you are, how does He want to use you?
Here are some ways to be used by God.
1. Seek God For Yourself
Spend time with Him today. You can start by praying, reading your Bible, and worshipping Him.
It's ideal to start your morning/ day with prayer yet this is one that I'm still working on. I tend to find myself in midday prayer but those days that I start my morning off with prayer allow me to surrender my day to the Lord. He gives me instructions and prepares me for the day.
You can use The Bible App to send you daily scriptures. This could be a starting point to use the scriptures to meditate on. You could also do some additional reading based on the scripture.
For worship, I like to listen to Psalmist Raine's "This Altar". This song allows me to shift my focus on thanking God for keeping me. I thank Him for waking me up, that I'm in my right mind and the list goes on. Use this opportunity to thank God for the things that you're thankful for.
(Below is the link to the song)
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9gsi4Wm_Lk&feature=share
The above will allow you to be able to spend time with God and recognize when He tells you to move. Be sensitive to His voice.
2. Slow Down
This step is also important because sometimes we need to free up our agenda/to-do list. Have space in your day to be more present. Pay attention to your surroundings, the people in your life, etc.
I get it, as a strong friends we wear many hats but it's important to make yourself the priority. Have you ever heard the saying "You can't pour from an empty cup"?
So use the above tips to make yourself a priority, so you will be equipped to bless others. Also know that the Bible says in
ll Corinthians 12:10 NKJV "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.12.10.NKJV
This could be new to some or scary but know that God will not put you in a situation to fail. The outcome may not be what you expect but look for the lesson in it. Sometimes it's our job to plant the seed that God has sent. He will do the work and allow it to grow at the right timing.
3. Move When God Says Move and Be Open
Something that seems simple or small to you could be a blessing to someone else. It could be to pray for some that you've been thinking of. You never know what they're going through at that moment. You could send an encouraging text or phone call. You never know how He wants to use you.
Don't focus on your abilities, trust that when Jesus said in ll Corinthians 12:9 NKJV “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. https://bible.com/bible/114/2co.12.9.NKJV
When I feel led to move, give a random person or even someone that I know an encouraging word I have to remind myself that His strength is made perfect in my weakness. So it's not in my ability, it's me being obedient to the Lord's instructions. It may not make sense at the time but it would be exactly what the person needs.
These are a few tips that have helped me over the years and I pray that they help you as well. Be encouraged and feel free to subscribe to my blog, like and share the content. You can also follow me on IG @seasondtoatee where I do weekly LIVES and bring comfort to my strong friends by feeding them physically and spiritually.
Have a wonderful day.
Love ❤️
