Years ago I met a women who exhibited great peace. There was just something about her. It might surprise you to know that she had 5 children. She was also very wise. Our paths crossed only briefly, but she said something that impacted me greatly. It changed my whole perspective on life and prayer.
She said that every morning when she got up she asked God what He wanted her to do that day.
Most folks at some point in their life have gotten up, gone to work, and reported to a higher up for the day’s instructions. While you are on the job, you serve that employer or company well. You may cater to their almost every whim. After all, it’s your job. It’s what you get paid to do. You are a servant or handmaiden in many ways to that employer or company.
Do we ask God how we can serve Him? Do we check in at the beginning of the day with that same expectation – that He has something specific for us to do? Or, do we do what we need to do and separate our service to God from the rest of the day? Do we leave God our leftover time?
And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
Luke 1:46-55
Mary considered herself a handmaiden – specifically God’s handmaiden. She magnified the Lord. She rejoiced in God. She appreciated that God regarded her low estate. She was grateful for what He had done. She considered herself blessed. She considered God to be mighty, holy, merciful, strong and powerful. What a contrast to her and her low estate. She was humbled. She had a servant heart.
How do we view ourselves? Are we focused on being God’s servants and handmaidens? Are we focused on what we want to do and that comes whenever we get around to it?
You can serve anywhere. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. However, if we are going to serve each day, we need to start the day checking in to see how God would have us to serve. If we don’t, we could miss opportunities.
LIFE APPLICATION
Today’s challenge is to start checking in with God daily to ask Him what He would have you do for that day. Asking God to help you, and praying for friends and guidance is necessary too, but be sure you are asking how you can serve. Listen for Him to give you the answer and show you opportunities throughout the day.
Realize your winning potential by being God’s servant or handmaiden.