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A Time To Be Present
Missionary Jim Elliot once said, “Wherever you are, be all there.” It’s the concept of being present when you’re present.
In English, the word “present” has a few meanings. I want us to think about one of its other meanings, rather that the obvious one – present as in “a gift”. That’s because being present in life is about more than simply showing up and occupying a space. It’s more than that. It’s about showing up and bringing to bear everything that God has invested in you – your gifts, your unique abilities, your personality, your story…
The concept of being a gift can be lost on us if we feel anything but good or gifted. At our best, we dare to believe that we can be used of God. But when life has taken its toll and we are in need of everyone else’s support and help, the belief that we are God’s gift to the world seems a bit far fetched.
But the truth is that you ARE a gift.
Today’s verses in Ecclesiastes speak of bounty and capacity.
Our “bounty” is the things that have been brought into our life. Our “capacity” is the things we carry.
Your bounty is a mix of all the great things you have learned; your talents and your character. But also your scars, the obstacles you’ve overcome and the unique attributes that you have; all of them like diamonds, formed under pressure.
Your capacity is the measure of what you can carry. YOU. No-one else. Don’t compare, because there is no other you.
Remember that your purpose is your purpose. You are uniquely gifted and graced to live your life, so do it. Imagine what our world would look like if every believer woke up tomorrow morning and made a decision to be present where they are present. The kingdom of God would come in power, because it would be ushered into bus stations, dental waiting rooms, hospital wards, boardrooms and apartment blocks.
Imagine the shift in our nations if we committed to using our individual, God-given abilities to be more generous and more strategic in God’s kingdom. Imagine what our planet would become if every commissioned, purpose-driven Christian took their mandate to follow Jesus seriously and made the most of every conversation.
It’s time for us to be present in our world!
About this Plan
The Bible tells us that God has good plans for us. But what happens when they seem to be thwarted by unforeseen circumstances? When serious health issues put her life and ministry on pause, Lindsay Bruce found herself at a crossroads. Here, she shares the insights God gave her from the life of Esther. Find out how to reconnect with your God-given purpose when life gets in the way.
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