Stuck??

Seems like my life is on hold sometimes. You know, when I was young I had all these great plans for what I could do. I always wanted my parents to be more involved in church work. Just think--I actually wanted to be a preacher's kid. Then I was convinced that God was calling me to the foreign mission field. My mom wisely didn't argue even though every mother's instinct in her screamed "No!"

So what happens? I try to move to Denver and God says "No." I can't even relocate to Milwaukee. I only wanted to go to college in Florida and just didn't have a peace about it. The only foreign country I've been in is Canada (although that can be rather foreign). So here I am, living at home in the same area I've been since 7th grade.

But I'm not stuck--although I tell myself I am when I feel like having a pity party. For some reason God has placed me here. I wanted to do big things for Him. He wants me to stay put. Does God really have a use for statues?

On the other hand, it makes sense. If I go off and do great things--well, I is the operative word. I accomplish something. Big deal. But when I'm somewhere where I can't see the big picture...then God starts to work. If I stay where He puts me, He can accomplish something through me.

Besides, if I ran away, who would do my work here? Who would befriend my friends? Who would minister to those I meet each day? Who would teach my students--not just music but all the little things that invariably get taught on the side? Who would be here?

Because sometimes it's just the being that counts. Not being great. Being willing. Being holy. Being present. My just sitting and being--not saying and doing--made one individual so uncomfortable that I was asked to leave. Can God use a statue? If that statue is faithful to Him, yes.

God called Abraham to tend his herds and just believe that 400 years later God would give his decendants the land. He called David to stay in the fields for years. He called Aquilla and Priscilla to keep on making tents. I have a calling, too. (Eph. 4:1) And that's what I'll do.

In the harvest field now ripened
There’s a work for all to do;
Hark! the voice of God is calling
To the harvest calling you.

Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem too small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own.

Are you laid aside from service,
Body worn from toil and care?
You can still be in the battle,
In the sacred place of prayer.

When the conflict here is ended
And our race on earth is run,
He will say, if we are faithful,
“Welcome home, My child—well done!”

Chorus:
Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown—and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ Name.

by Kittie L. Suffield