Take a look at all the reality shows that are going on today...American Idol, America's Got Talent, Biggest Loser. We seem to live in a world where the focus is to be that you are only "valuable" if you are only the best at something, or the center of attention etc...... This is a lie from the Devil. So in our world, it has been easy to lose sight of our TRUE value in the will of God.
In Acts chapter 9, Saul is wreaking havoc in the churches and those following "The Way", throwing people into jail and threatening slaughter. Because of this, many of the Christians fled to Damascus. Saul himself received arrest warrants to take to meeting places to arrest those Christ followers and bring them back to Jerusalem. On his journey he was dazed by a blinding light from heaven that caused him to fall onto the ground and heard "Saul Saul, why are you persecuting me?!" He said "who art though Lord?" The Lord said "I am Jesus the one you persecute, now go into the city to straight street to the house of Juda and you will be told what to do next". The men with him were speechless (they heard the voice and saw nothing). Saul was blinded.
He went into the city and didn't eat or drink anything for 3 days. The Lord then spoke to Ananias and told him to go and lay hands on Saul, heal him and baptize him. Ananias was unsure and questioned God. God told him "GO! Saul is a chosen vessel to bear my name before Gentiles, Kings and children of Israel. For I will show him great things he must suffer for my names sake". Ananias went and did as he was told. The scales fell off of Saul's eyes, he was baptised and ate. After this he went to preach Christ in the synagogues. After this we do not hear anymore from Ananias. Ananias was called by God to do a job, and God needed him to be obedient.
When you look at a door, what is the first thing you notice? Most people would see the largest part of the door, that part that either leaves an opening, or could close an opening in a wall. Most of us do not notice the hinges, unless for some reason something bring the hinges to our attention. In our world, our churches, and all over the place, there are tons of doors and hinges, but I am not talking about the kind on or in buildings. What is God calling you to be, a door or a hinge? The kingdom moves forward based upon how YOU hear Gods voice. Being a "hinge" may mean less recognition, but are you willing to be great or small for God? "Hinges" often get overlooked or and get less "recognition" than "doors" do, but that does not mean their value is less. If you have ever noticed, there are usually 2 to 3 hinges with every door. The truth is, that a door cannot work properly without hinges. God needs hinges just as much as He needs doors. In our "American Idol, Americas Next top Model, etc.... world, we often lose sight of that. So how do we know what God is asking of us?
God pursues us, He is not passive. Just like He spoke to and used Ananias, He speaks to us in His Word, prayer times, quiet times, circumstances, and church. When God communicates to you, you have to adjust to His plan, as Gods plans for your life will probably require some adjustment on your part. You may have to step out, get over fears, and get out of your comfort zone and into the faith zone. So what is God trying to accomplish in your life? Are you willing? Can you be obedient to the mission? Where is God working, and how can you be a part of it?
You may not see the full effects of being a willing to be a "hinge" for God until years later, or even until you get to Heaven. Are you willing?
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