A few weeks ago in church, one of my pastors gave a Bible study about sheep. He said that sheep are three things:

1. They are easily distracted.
2. They are unable to defend themselves.
3. They have very poor vision.

Sheep aren’t able to see what’s coming. And if they could, they couldn’t defend themselves anyway since they are slow and clumsy. What is more, they easily forgot to be afraid, because their attention spans are short. They wander.

Boy, does that sound familiar.

The thing is, sometimes I forget that I am a sheep. Instead, I think I’m a lion: focused and ferocious and fierce. I think I know what’s coming, what’s important, and that I’m strong enough to handle it all. That’s pretty delusional, but it happens to me all the time.

When things are going well, I tend to think down deep it’s because of me. I forget that God is the only reason I’m breathing. I forget to thank him, lean on him, and talk to him. I forget that I’m a sheep, and I wake up one morning wondering how I wandered so far from him.

I need to remember that I need God. I need the One who can keep me focused, who knows where we’re going, and who can defend me from not only what others or evil or danger can do to me, but what I can do to myself.

I am a sheep. Of course I need a Shepherd. How happy I am to know I have him as my Savior.

I’m realizing now that if you have any inkling to write, you should write. If you have any desire to tell stories, tell them. If you need to make art or music or start a club or learn something new or want to lead, now is the time.

For so long, I’ve been held up by fear – of failure, of ridicule, of making the wrong decision, of looking funny or too enthusiastic or too idealistic or like I’m trying too hard. I’ve kept too much inside for much too long. I’m tired of hearing my own excuses, sick of waiting for the perfect timing. It really doesn’t matter what’s going on. Today is the day wherever I am. Everything that keeps me from it is an excuse; even a legitimate excuse is an excuse.

How could I have missed the point? God made us all who we are to do the things on our hearts. Let’s do those things. And let’s stay close to Him so we know the difference between our own sinful desires and His wonderful desires for us.

Let’s encourage each other with our words to do those things. Let’s build each other up, especially those who are just starting out. Let’s set judgement aside and practice generosity (generosity applies to words).

We are a body with many parts. We need all of them to do the things God wants us to do – encourage, support, grow, move forward, teach, spread the Word, love. There is so much to do, so much possibility for our little earthly groups of believers, but so often we are brittle bands of resentment and judgement, selfish groups of whiners and complainers. What a sad state for all the beautiful possibility God has made.

Let’s think positively. Let’s hope. Let’s work hard and test God in his generosity. Let’s do this beautiful thing called ministry together.

One of God’s greatest miracles is that He uses us. He uses us wherever we are when we take him up on his offer, and yes, He sometimes uses us even when we don’t. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done. Some of the most beautiful things I’ve seen are people being who God made them, doing the things on their hearts for His glory.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:6-12

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it”

I Corinthians 12:27