The Toolbox

 

I haven’t posted much lately.  The business has taken over with no-heat calls and our marriage ministry needed our attention.  I am back.  I missed sharing with you and can’t wait to share more the next few weeks 😊

This one is a bit longer than normal but hang in there with me…

My husband and I recently had dinner with our pastor and his wife.  He shared with us a beautiful story about a toolbox. I wanted to pass along this story because it hit home.

This pandemic has taken over for many people.  The fear is real.  Covid is a real issue for some, and those who have succumb to it know how real it can be.  However, as Christians we are not to live in fear.  We are all going to die eventually.  Some by Covid, some by other means.  Only God knows the day and the hour of our time.  We are not to live in fear waiting for that day.  We are called to reach out to everyone and share the good news of Jesus Christ.  It is hard to do it from our chairs at home.  The enemy knows that and is enjoying this moment as many stay home from church in fear.

Now don’t get me wrong.  There are those who need to stay home.  The sick, the ones who are not able to leave their homes.  That is what online church is for.  Those who can’t get out. 

However, the church needs people in the pews. 

Here is where the story begins.  My pastor shared how a toolbox has great use for those doing handywork.  Each tool in the toolbox has a different use.  The hammer is very useful for pounding a nail in place.  The plyers are great for tightening a pipe.  The screwdriver is handy when a screw is loose.   However, the plyers are not as useful when a screw is loose.  The hammer is not as helpful with tightening a pipe.  I have used a hammer for things it shouldn’t be used for before, but we won’t go there.

The toolbox is needed and not as effective without all the tools inside.

We are God’s toolbox.  We are used by Him each day to help others using the gifts He has given us. 

The people in the church on Sunday are the same.  Each of us has a gift.  God uses each of our gifts to help others and to further His Kingdom.  If the gift that is needed on Sunday is not available because that person is home, the person in need suffers.  If we need encouragement and we are at home when the encourager is in church, we miss out.  We need fellowship and we need to use our gifts to help each other.

The church suffers when the body of Christ is fragmented.

How can the church help each other when we stay at home away from each other?   How can the church start a revival when it remains at home? 

I keep hearing the scripture, …For such a time as this.  Esther 4:14

I have been praying for a revival in our country and our churches.

I joined a group of people who are currently praying for this country.  Each of us has a state to pray over.  I chose Washington.  I can’t wait to see what God is going to do with the small group I joined.  He hears All prayers.

Each of us is necessary.  Each of us a piece of the puzzle God has created.  We can’t be used if we are sitting on a shelf or sitting at home alone.

Will you step out and join me today?  Pray for our country and for our churches to be filled with people willing to help each other and reach out to the world.  Don’t let the enemy fill you with fear.  Let His power within you propel you to do His will.

 

Psalms 56:3  

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Acts 1: 7-8

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Esther 4:14

14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

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