‘…I…contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.’ COLOSSIANS 1:29 NIV
You say, ‘Since serving successfully is a joint effort requiring cooperation with others who will often disagree with me, what’s God’s alternative to people-pleasing?’ Paul answers, ‘Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus…’ (Colossians 3:17 NLT). You represent the Lord Jesus! You are His servant and He alone is qualified to judge your service. And it gets better; you are ‘…God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Regardless of people’s opinions, God created you for a specific field of service. So, celebrate your calling and embrace your destiny. When you do that, it takes the stress out of serving God. You are called by God, and all of heaven’s resources are available to you. ‘God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him’ (Philippians 2:13 NLT). God is your source of wisdom and capability, so trust Him to carry the concerns of your ministry or career. ‘I…contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.’ Yes, there’s some labour and struggle required, but you are never the sole proprietor. The energy is His, and it’s working continually in you. You are the glove and He’s the hand that fills it, controls and activates it. So, relax, and just stay connected to Him. He will ‘…equip you with all you need for doing his will…[and] produce in you…every good thing that is pleasing to him…’ (Hebrews 13:21 NLT).
Bible In A Year: Micah 5-7, John 19:31-42
