The topic of being content and faithful has come up in my life so often lately I feel like this is somewhere the Lord wants me to go. Bear with me as this is a much longer blog than usual, I promise it’s worth your time though!
I’m reading through a book called “Mountain Rain”- it’s a biography of James Fraser, one of the first missionaries to China. Rarely ever do I receive so much from a book that I have to actually write it down, this is one of those rare books. He talks of times where he had an idea of what he would be doing, what missions looked like, his goals, etc. God many times had other ideas and plans, and though James’s plans were good, it wasn’t what God had for him then and there.
James went through many seasons of preparation, similar to where I and my squad are now- looking forward anxiously to jumping on a plane destined for the entire world, ready to make a difference. While it’s great to look forward, it’s more important to be present with where God has us now and be faithful in this season. There is a temptation to slacken and fall into boredom with daily routine and fantasize about all the things we will be doing and seeing, and not doing and seeing all that God has for us right here and now.
It doesn’t matter where God has you right now, cleaning up after children, working a minimum wage job, working for six figures; what matters is that we are faithful to the assignment God has placed in our lives for this season. When we look to the future and think “if” and “when” this or this happens, I’ll be able to do so much more than where I am now, we disqualify our influence in the here and now. There are opportunities to make a difference here and now. It isn’t for us to choose our work, but it is our duty to be faithful in the assignment Christ gave us for this season. We have no right to be dissatisfied with this season of our lives, when God has every intention for us to be right where we are.
Now you may be like I am and be constantly looking to the next thing, ready to tackle the next thing life throws at us. You may be thinking, well once I get to the next season, then I’ll be content. Been there done that, it’s a perpetual cycle, one where you won’t be happy until you learn to be content right where you are.
Paul says in Philippians 4, “11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”
It says he learned to be content, meaning it didn’t come naturally; he had to learn to be content when life was good and when life was kicking him in the face. Learning comes through discipline. I want to challenge you and I to practice being content with where God has us. Get in the Word and pray and ask the Holy Spirit to change your heart about where you are if you are discontent. The Word of God is the revelation of the will of God, where better to find His will for your life?! Discipline yourself to spend quality time with God; even if it means you will have to sacrifice your favorite show, your reward will be monumentally more eternal. Stop looking ahead to the next place you want to be in life and enjoy right where God has you, even if it appears to be a terrible place on the outside.
And one last thing, because I know way too many young people that struggle with this, myself included. If you are single and wishing away your singleness, STOP. Seriously, don’t do it. This incredibly blessed season where you are, without worries of marriage and children, is a season where you can make the most impact in the world around you. God can move you and call you to places you will not be able to reach when you are married. Read up on 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, the last verse speaks of being able to serve God without distraction because you aren’t married. This is a blessing. God is not trying to frustrate you and make you discontent until He finally throws you a bone and lets you get married. Marriage is a wonderful thing, in its rightful timing. Singleness is also a wonderful thing, embrace it.
Do not rush the timing of God. He’s got this figured out. To quote my pastor from this Sunday; “Because we don’t understand the timing of God, we get antsy in the preparation of the fullness of the calling of God.” (P.Chris) We try jumping into our calling too early. Trust His timing.
My ultimate desire at the end of my life is to stand before God and hear the words 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matt 25:21)
This requires faithfulness in this and every season. Being faithful in the mundane and boring times and being faithful in the fruitful and exciting times.
