God Can Use You Right Where You Are

As believers, we can encourage one another with these words: God can use you right where you are.

Nehemiah was what we would call a layman. I personally don’t like the term, which is used to describe someone who is not “in ministry.” Sometimes we think pastors, missionaries, or people who work for churches are in ministry. But the reality is that every Christian is in ministry.

Look at the apostle Paul’s instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (NLT). That kind of faithful service isn’t limited to pastors, missionaries, or church employees.

Christians who work in the corporate world, Christians who work in construction, Christians who work in education, Christians who work in the medical or counseling fields, and so forth are all in ministry. In a sense, ministry is simply service. Ministry occurs when we say, “God, You can use me right where I am. I am available to serve You, and I want my life to bring glory to You.” In other words, ministry happens when believers recognize and respond to opportunities to serve God in their everyday lives.

In the Old Testament, God chose to use Nehemiah through the position he already held. Nehemiah, a Jewish exile, served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, the leader of the Medo-Persians. The cupbearer had to be someone the king could trust, because he spent a lot of time with the king.

Nehemiah’s position gave him access to the king. But despite his privileged position, Nehemiah was concerned about others—specifically, his fellow Jews who had returned to Jerusalem. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down, leaving the people vulnerable to their enemies.

Nehemiah leveraged his position of influence with King Artaxerxes to secure royal support and materials for rebuilding Jerusalem’s broken walls. His vital ministry began as he made himself available to God in the position he already held.

Have you ever considered how God could use you right where you are? Think about the neighborhood you live in, the place where you work, or the campus you’re on. You don’t have to be a pastor or a missionary to make a difference in someone’s life.

You might say, “If I could just change my circumstances . . .” But did it ever occur to you that important ministry opportunities are available to you because you’re in your current circumstances?

Ask God to open your eyes to those opportunities. Ask Him to help you see past the “same old same old.” Ask Him to help you see the unique influence you wield. Ask Him to give you a sense of the people whose lives He can touch through you.

Ask Him to give you a new appreciation for your old surroundings—and a willingness to serve Him right where you are.

Reflection question: What ministry opportunities are available to you right where you are? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!

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