How can I be useful to you today?

I have been reading "As Silver Refined - Answers to Life's Disappointments" by Kay Arthur. In chapter 8 "Peace amid the pain" she retells the story of Bruce Olson, the missionary who was captured by South American Marxist guerrillas and help captive for 9 months.

Bruce Olson was held in very poor conditions, in make-shift shelters that offered virtually no protection from the elements: rain, heat or humidity. He was sick with malaria and in a great deal of pain and discomfort. He was tortured and had to witness the deaths and abuse of the other prisoners.

Life was miserable. But regardless, this is what he had to say:

It may seem bizarre to some people, but the truth is that it never once occurred to me that it was God's responsibility to rescue me miraculously from this situation. Instead I believed it was my responsibility to serve Him right where I was. 

What I asked of God from day to day was very simple, very practical, and I suppose quite typical of me; "Father, I'm alive, and I want to use this time constructively. How can I be useful to you today"

How often do we want God to change our situation because we think we have a better idea of what we want or what is best for our families. But what happens if our plans are not God's plan?

Instead of asking God to change your situation, nagging Him, reminding Him that He must have got it wrong — instead ask:

"How can I be useful to you today"

It may be a usefulness in the workplace or at home, on the trip to the supermarket or when picking up your child from school — but wherever you are, ask God to help you use that time constructively and with purpose. 

God is in CONTROL so let Him be in CONTROL. 

We need to live by faith in any situation that God has placed us in, whether we like it or not. 

Bruce Olsen felt he could serve God in any situation, including being held captive in a jungle "I've always felt that I could serve God in any situation, and this one was full of intriguing possibilities. As a result, I wasn't terrified or even particularly anxious about my fate. I knew it was God —not my captors—who would control the outcome of the situation".

Lets live by faith and trust in the Lord as His plans are always right and each morning wake up and ask "how can I be useful to you today?" rather than asking him to rescue you from your situation.

Much more joy, happiness and pleasure will come about by undertaking His work, than by being grumpy that you are not doing what you want to do. 

In everything give thanks; 

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

******