The Church I See: When Opportunity Knocks

Are you willing to let God revise your plans so He can exceed your expectations?

On Sunday, Pastor Eli gave a powerful word on how God’s purposes for our lives don’t always look how we expect them to.

“It’s not about what you can do, it’s about being available.” Pastor Eli Nelson

In Acts chapter 6, the Hellenistic Jews brought a complaint to the apostles about the Hebraic Jews saying that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Instead of taking this on themselves, the apostles appointed seven leaders to hold the responsibility of taking care of the food distribution to all the believers. As a result, “the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” (v. 7) This story highlights the fact that in the Kingdom of God, there is no greater or lesser than positions – only giftings.

God has given you a specific gift that is unique to you that you can use to build the church and glorify Him. Are you using the gifts God has given you?

“Don’t get so caught up in what He has for you that you miss what He’s trying to do in you.” Pastor Eli Nelson

God will shape you for what He has for you, but you have to be wiling to do what others aren’t willing to do. You have one life. What is God asking you to do today? What is God calling you to do? Don’t forsake the current season you are in because God is trying to speak to you and prepare you now for what He has for you later.

We have to be on guard because these are the ways the enemy tries to divide the church:

1. Disperse us by force
2. Discredit us by hypocrisy
3. Distract us by disputes
4. Discourage us by roles

David was anointed King while taking care of his sheep, and Moses heard from God in a burning bush while tending to his flock. They were just doing what they were called to do in that season. They weren’t expecting it, but when you remain faithful with little, God will entrust you with much. It’s not about doing things for God to get things from God, it’s about being obedient and humble in what He has asked us to do because He is worthy. And when we submit to His will and obey His commandments, God bestows His blessing and honor on us. Just as Luke 14:11 says, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” We can’t be looking for “burning bushes” all of the time because then we’ll miss what God is asking us to do right now – looking for, feeding, and taking care of His sheep (aka His people).

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.” Acts 2:42-45 (NIV)

We are just ordinary people who are available for God to do the extraordinary through. We want to see the lost be saved and the saved discipled. The early church was always gathering, growing, giving, and using their giftings. That is the kind of church we want to be – that is the kind of church we see.

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