A Privilege to Serve

So, I'm sick today. On Easter. I love Easter - celebrating the resurrection of my Savior, Jesus Christ is something I look forward to for months. I love being at church with everyone, worshiping God, and remembering the greatest miracle of all time.

For the first time in my life, I'm missing Easter Sunday. We got a nasty stomach bug this week, and it decided to linger with me. This is a huge disappointment for me.

I play the piano for our church. It's a wonderful way for me to be able to express worship. I've been doing it for years, and I love it. I especially enjoy playing on holidays when we get to sing songs that you don't sing any other time of year.

Last night when I was realizing that it was pretty unlikely for me to make it to church this morning, I began to argue with God. "Lord," I said, "I need to be there to play the piano in the morning. It's a big day for church with lots of visitors, and I need to help make the service run smoothly. I need to be there to do my job...for You!"

God gently reminded me that He doesn't NEED me at all. God has a purpose, and He will accomplish it. It is a privilege that He lets me be a part of His work, but Easter Sunday going well has nothing to do with me and everything to do with God.

God took me in my pride thinking that I am a vital part of what He's doing to humbly on my knees thanking Him that He allows me to be a small part of what He's doing at all.

Serving God is a privilege. A sacred privilege. 

God owns everything and He knows the most talented people in the world. He doesn't need us to get His work done. In fact, He doesn't need us at all - remember that if we don't praise Him, the rocks will. (Luke 19:40) God will accomplish what He has set out to do. But, oh how blessed and privileged we are that He chooses to use us, and allows us to be a part in so many ways to help spread the message of Jesus Christ!

Are you helping widows and orphans? Are you caring for the poor? Are you helping the helpless? Are you serving in your church? (even in a small ways?) Are you sharing the Gospel? Are you feeding the hungry? Do you remember the forgotten? Are you sponsoring missionaries? Are you caring for your family? Are you showing kindness to your neighbors?

If you say, "Yes" to any of these, (and so many more) you are a vital part of God's work. He doesn't need your help, but He wants it!

We are privileged every day to have the opportunity to show our gratefulness to God for the saving grace of Jesus Christ by being a part of the what He is doing here on earth. I am in awe of a God who is willing to use me!

*Turns out we have several talented piano players at our church, and one was more than willing to step in and fill in beautifully for me this Easter Sunday. I even got a text from my sister saying my son leaned over and whispered, "Ms. Carolyn doesn't pound like mom does." 😊😊😊