by Doug Smith
When I was younger, I took great pleasure in serving others. Something about it drew me in. I was privileged to watch my own grandfather model a servant’s heart in everything he said and did, for me and for others. I knew this was an important characteristic of God. But, I still didn’t fully understand the depth. Then I began serving in several ministries at my church. I was learning the true need of a servant and it motivated me even more. I found great joy in helping others through their illness or task. I told the Lord that I wanted to be a willing and able vessel, and to be used by him. Always.
Then everything changed. In January of 2016, my world was turned upside down rather quickly. I was diagnosed with Stage 3-A Lung Cancer. In a very short time, I found myself in more doctor’s offices and hospitals than I had ever been to in my entire life, including the ones when I was just visiting! I suddenly realized what it meant to really be IN NEED. I was now the person that I had been ministering to!
Through all of this, God showed His true mercy and love. My family and I were being surrounded and served by believers and non-believers alike. This was a very difficult time for me. I was always the one on the other end--doing the serving and helping others. It was hard to accept help. But the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “It’s your turn.” The Lord needed to use this time to teach others to serve and be obedient. You see, obedience is what God is truly interested in.
John 13:5-17 shows we are to serve one another, with Jesus as the example. Peter did not understand why Jesus wanted to wash his feet. This was Jesus! Jesus is teaching us here that no one is too good, and that we cannot let pride get in the way. There will always be a servant and a recipient and we all need to be obedient whichever side we find ourselves on. God has been so good to me, and has since healed me of Cancer. I grow stronger every day and will gladly serve with my whole heart.
What season of life are you in? Are you able to serve God? Or are you the recipient? God loves us all the same. Are you being obedient?
When I was younger, I took great pleasure in serving others. Something about it drew me in. I was privileged to watch my own grandfather model a servant’s heart in everything he said and did, for me and for others. I knew this was an important characteristic of God. But, I still didn’t fully understand the depth. Then I began serving in several ministries at my church. I was learning the true need of a servant and it motivated me even more. I found great joy in helping others through their illness or task. I told the Lord that I wanted to be a willing and able vessel, and to be used by him. Always.
Then everything changed. In January of 2016, my world was turned upside down rather quickly. I was diagnosed with Stage 3-A Lung Cancer. In a very short time, I found myself in more doctor’s offices and hospitals than I had ever been to in my entire life, including the ones when I was just visiting! I suddenly realized what it meant to really be IN NEED. I was now the person that I had been ministering to!
Through all of this, God showed His true mercy and love. My family and I were being surrounded and served by believers and non-believers alike. This was a very difficult time for me. I was always the one on the other end--doing the serving and helping others. It was hard to accept help. But the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, “It’s your turn.” The Lord needed to use this time to teach others to serve and be obedient. You see, obedience is what God is truly interested in.
John 13:5-17 shows we are to serve one another, with Jesus as the example. Peter did not understand why Jesus wanted to wash his feet. This was Jesus! Jesus is teaching us here that no one is too good, and that we cannot let pride get in the way. There will always be a servant and a recipient and we all need to be obedient whichever side we find ourselves on. God has been so good to me, and has since healed me of Cancer. I grow stronger every day and will gladly serve with my whole heart.
What season of life are you in? Are you able to serve God? Or are you the recipient? God loves us all the same. Are you being obedient?
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