A Servant for You

This may sound simple to you & thats ok. Some of the most enlightening moments I have had seem mundane when I repeat them. I remind myself not to compare my conversations with God to others because that moment was for me to learn and grow. Recently, the word serve kept tumbling around in my head. Like flashes, I would get more of an understanding of how it related to me...until finally it all fit together in my heart.

The dictionary defines serve like this:

1. To have a definite use.
2. To answer the purpose.
3. To render assistance.
4. To be favorable, suitable or convenient.

I act as a servant to my daughter, rendering her assistance until she is able to complete her tasks. I try to serve my husband and be favorable to him. I want to serve my community and have a definite use. Many times, especially as women, we try to be and do everything for everybody. Often, we fail to serve ourselves and run low on energy and love. Instead, we complete tasks with bitterness and resenment...wondering "what about me?" This is where the word 'no' comes into play. Prioritize, do what you are able to and allow someone else to do the rest.

Serving God, however, should not involve the word 'no.' He is aware of your abilities, weaknesses & limits. He will never ask you to do something without equipping you first. You may think you aren't capable of fulfilling His request but deep inside of you, the potential has been planted. The first or even fortieth attempt may result in failure but God doesn't view it as such. Just as practice and an opportunity to exercise your faith. I'm not even sure that its the product He is interested in as much as your willingness to be obedient and trust in Him.

I have also learned that serving Him requires silence as much as speech...stillness as often as movement. I had to rethink my view on the word serve since it is classified as a verb. An "action word" if we were in elementary school. Waiting, listening & observing are also verbs. Less physical exertion is involved but more restraint is required. Moral of the story: I must slow down, calm down & quiet down in order to hear from Him and serve Him in the way that He desires.