Under A Bushel Basket

I am a watcher, and I see what sparks the fire in your eyes and causes your feet to move forward.  I see your passion.  You're the one with the heart for prison ministry, spending your day off with an ex-con and helping him find work.  You are the missionary pointing to that place on the map that I have never seen. You, over there, it's the children, right? The hurting ones who don't know love at home. You put that bag of toys and new clothes on their porch last night.  I saw you, because I am a watcher.  Did you know that this is your gift? Your unique purpose?  Did you know that every time you feel that pull in your heart toward another human being, that you are being obedient?  I wonder, because I see your eyes. I see them look longingly toward the missionary, wondering why you don't have the discipline to save your money to go, too. I've seen your gaze follow the one with the heart for prison ministry, and you wince, and wonder why you don't feel the same?

I have been you.  Looking at the one with the heart for something else, and feeling inadequate because I could only be me, and I have a word for you.......STOP....... stop now.  God has designed you for a purpose.  He has called you to a vocation.  No, not necessarily your job.   It is what you have been summoned to do on this earth, and it is not over there, it is in here.  In your heart.  And while you are watching and waiting for the ability to do something else, your passion is sitting under an over-turned bowl. It is hidden under a bushel basket.  God gave you that gift and it glows with fire. I can see the light seeping out from underneath. I can feel the faint warmth.  When will you release it from it's prison? When will you take that brick of envy off the top and set it free? Because somewhere out there, while you are watching the others, there is someone watching you.  They see your passion. They need your gift.  And they wonder what is taking you so long?

Ephesians 1:15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.