Lori's Blog

John 6:8-9 "One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 'There's a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish - but what are they for so many?'"

Have you ever been asked by God to move forward and not know exactly how He was planning to use you? For instance, you sense God's calling to a new job, but it's not like your current job and you're not sure what He has planned. Or maybe you have experienced a loss and you think things will never be the same again.

It has been a little over a year since I lead worship in my home church. When God called us to New Hampshire, I once again was faced with a dilemma. Was I going to trust Him that He has a plan or was I going to lament my losses and not move forward. After facing numerous challenges to finding a church home, Kevin and I finally found one. After visiting for some time, we decided that this was the church God wanted us to join in fellowship. We didn't have any idea where God was going to use us, but we had fallen in love with the church. When we attended the Membership Class, we were asked our gifts, talents and experience. This question from the Pastor opened up several interesting needs. As a result I joined the music ministry in April and will lead worship next Sunday! From the outside, it didn't look like the team needed anything. But God knew differently. We also learned that the church had formed an Evangelism Team, something Kevin and I are passionate about, and we have joined this team. Kevin is helping revamp the website (it does need work) and has really connected with the Associate Pastor responsible for this team.

Has it been an easy road. No. I spent most of the last six months working on my Biblical Studies degree, which resulted in innumerable hours in my office and home, not really connecting with the outside world. 19 weeks down, 19 to go! Often I felt like I didn't have anything to offer. Surrounded by music and instruments my heart longed to make them useful again. Yet, God was filling my heart with contentment and so I was not in desperation. But the little boy in John 6 didn't have much to offer either. 5000+ people were in need and Andrew, the disciple always bringing people to Jesus, brought this boy and his lunch. And what a lunch it was. Pickled fish, often considered food for animals, and barley loaves, the least nutritious and cheapest bread available. But he was willing and gave it to Jesus. Then Jesus gave thanks, broke it, and 5000 people were fed.

All Jesus asks of us is to make ourselves available and let Him handle the details. I want to make it clear here that I am not talking about self-promotion. There is a significant difference. The latter requires work, manipulation and selfish desires. The former is simply saying, "Hey, this is what I have. It's not much. Do with it what you will." Jesus not only fed the multitude, but 12 baskets of food were left over. He takes what we have, uses it and always makes sure there is enough left over for us. How awesome. When we surrender, with no expectation - He blesses!

So when you wonder what your little can do, or how He might use you again, trust Him. Rest in His peace and know He has a plan.