“For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.”—Romans 11:36 (NLT)
Everything comes from God and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. Even what is going on in the world today. God can and will use it to bring others to Him. As we live out Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect (NLT), we are able to be the church to those around us. In order to do this, I have to remind myself daily, I am a daughter of the Most High King. He is my refuge and strength.
I am sure when many people hear my name, they think, “knitting.” I also love the Lord and hope that is another thought they have of me. For me, those two things go hand-in-hand. My knitting helps me share the love of Jesus to let people in my corner of the world to let them know that they matter, but it hasn’t always been that way.
As I have gotten older, I have been more vocal about my faith and sharing it with others. Some people have the gift of being able to boldly speak about their faith with people they don’t know. That isn’t an easy thing for me to do.This is why I attach a gift tag with my gifts that has a favorite scripture as well as a note letting them know that I prayed for them.
At first, I thought, “isn’t this the coward way to do it?” But then God impressed on my heart, “you are sharing your faith and that it what matters.” Depending on the day and if I have the opportunity, I will tell the person that I prayed for them but not every time. I let the Holy Spirit guide me on that. If what I am saying and doing aligns with God’s Word, that will glorify Him. I know God will give me the courage when He needs me to be bolder.
Really, anything we do that advances the Kingdom of God is valuable to Him. Bringing a meal to a friend/neighbor or driving someone to a doctor appointment are all things that honor God. When we are serving others, we are serving God. God doesn’t rank one spiritual gift higher than another. They are all important to Him.
I have found that when I tap into the tools God has given me in 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, his Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control, God is able to use me to help grow His kingdom. What do people think when they hear your name? What are you doing to serve and share His love with others? I would much rather be known for sharing the love of Jesus than my knitting but if I am able to do both that is even better.
You could be that friend, that receives a text when someone needs prayers or are the first to sign up for a meal train. Maybe you are the one that starts the meal sign-up or collects money for restaurant gifts cards for someone. If this is you, more than likely people think, compassionate and caring when they hear your name. These are both qualities that represent loving like Jesus.
Do you have a friend or neighbor that has health issues or a compromised immune system? Would they appreciate having someone grocery shop for them, pick-up a prescription or maybe just visit with them at a social distance so they have the needed interaction that they may be craving but unable to get due to their circumstances? Think about ways this week where you can partner with God to share your gifts.
Dear Lord,
Show me ways that You have uniquely created me to bless those around me. I know You are in control and nothing takes You by surprise with what is going on in our world. Help me to tap into all You have for me this week. Reveal to me someone that has a need that I can meet for them. Forgive me when I miss opportunities to be bolder in my faith. I thank You that You can use me to make a difference to someone’s life. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen
October Memory Verse
Will you join me this month to memorize Proverbs 27:17? It is important to be part of a community where others support your faith journey as well as hold you accountable. I know know what I would have done the past 25 years without these friendships.
“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”—Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
Please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag t to whatever gift you make.