But, God, we are NEEDED.......

so we think.  And we very well may be.   But what if the NEED is NOT to be fulfilled by me - or by us?  Figuring that out is the tough part.

As I was in my quiet time this morning, reading my Bible, reading in a devotional of Andrew Murray's works and also some from Beth Moore, some things kind of stood out to me.

Acts 18:19-21
¹⁹ They stopped first at the port of Ephesus, where Paul left the others behind. While he was there, he went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews. ²⁰ They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. ²¹ As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later,^[a] God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

The Jews wanted Paul to stay in Ephesus and share with them.  But, Paul wouldn't stay.  He wanted so much for the Jews to learn of Jesus and yet, he left them.   The fact that a need existed (Jews to learn of Jesus) did not mean Paul was the one to share it with them.  It was Apollo who followed God's leading to share with the Jews in Ephesus at that time, not Paul.  So what does that tell me?

The fact that a need exists does not mean God has called me to meet that need.  Wow, what a novel thought!  I am not the one to always step in and do something.  Sometimes I am to say 'no' and step back.  Why?

Because when we can't say no, even when God does not give His approval, two unfortunate repercussions often result:  we don't do a good job and we don't leave an openings for God's chosen person to fill.

We need to be wise and trust God when He seems to be leading us contrary to those things we want to do - or those things we think we are 'needing' to do.   He may not want us leading that class, for He has someone else in mind for it.  He may not 'need' us to be a part of something, for He has other plans for us.

Are we making ourselves 'busy' doing things for Him, when all He wants is for us to WAIT for Him to pull it all together for us - and it will be far better than what we could ever imagine?   Are you doing what God has called you to do.....or are you busy doing 'stuff' because no one else steps up to the plate?   Do you no longer find joy in serving?  Maybe you need to let it go.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31

Be encouraged to wait.... our Lord has great things for you!

Blessings!