Hallmarks of His Hand

"Then the whole Israelite community

withdrew from Moses' presence,

and everyone who was willing 

and whose heart moved them

came and brought an offering to the LORD 

for the work on the tent of meeting,

for all its service,

and for the sacred garments."

Exodus 35:20-21

Everyone I asked to be involved said, "Yes."  Businesses were eager to sponsor the event.  Necessary approvals were easily received.  All the details fell into place.  It was clear that God was behind this neighborhood outreach ministry.

When God calls me to do something for Him, He moves the hearts of the people, giving them a willingness to freely join in.  In this way, all needs are met and His will is done.  How do I know if a service is from God or simply an idea of something I want to do?  Here are some hallmarks to look for when God has His hand in a ministry.

Willingness

The king spoke and everyone jumped into action.  His word alone was enough to transform the usually peaceful palace into a frenzy of activity.  People were eager to make his dreams reality.

In the same way that a leader's subjects are willing to do his bidding, so those who belong to Christ are ready to help bring about His purpose and plan in this dark world.  When I'm involved in carrying out His plan, He supernaturally sends people who have a deep desire to help without compulsion.  No one has to twist their arms, convince them of the importance of the service or promise some kind of reward.  Instead, people commissioned by the Lord want to join in with what He is already doing.

This spirit of willingness also takes on another dimension when I examine the life of a saint.  There are some believers who do amazing things for God, yet they are ordinary people just like you and me.  What is the difference between a great evangelist and me?  Or a humble missionary who adopts dozens of children and me?  Or a powerful speaker who touches the lives of many with God's Word and me?  Willingness.

All it takes for God to use me to do amazing things in His kingdom is a willingness to be His vessel.  When I am available for His use, He fills me up with everything I need to accomplish His mission. (2 Timothy 2:21)  Submitting myself to God and His will for my life means I let Him transform me and use me in the ways He sees fit.  I no longer think it's up to me to accomplish anything, but believe with all my heart that it's Him working through me.  Then I can walk forward in confidence, knowing without a doubt He will get His way in my life. 

A spirit of willingness is a hallmark of God's work in my life.

Hearts Moved

I couldn't believe my ears; the vacuum was running upstairs.  Who would be vacuuming?  The chores have already been done and I didn't ask anyone to do any cleaning. Curious, I climbed the stairs to investigate.  Much to my surprise, I found my daughter, a young teen at the time, tidying up her room.  I asked her why she was doing that and she replied, "I just felt like cleaning."

In the same way that my daughter was inspired to do some work in her room, God can give me a desire to do a certain thing.   When I've accomplished the mission He's put on my heart, I will realize it wasn't with my own strength that I did the work, but it was God who was working in me and giving me the power and the desire to do things that please Him.  (Philippians 2:13)

As God continues to move the hearts of His people, I will find that others will join in with me, having caught the same inspiration as I.  Each gift falls into place, weaving together to create a beautiful tapestry of service to the Lord.  In this way I will be assured that this vision is from the Lord, and therefore His name will be glorified.

God moves the hearts of His people to work in one accord to accomplish His will, bringing glory to His name.

Needs Met

As a child, I never questioned where the money would come from to pay the bills, or how we would have enough food, or if the car would make it through the week.  Instead, I lived carefree, going to school and playing with my friends.  There was nary a worry on my mind.

Once I grew up and had a family of my own, however, my mindset changed.  I began to wonder if we'd be able to pay all the bills, if there would be enough food to feed our family, or if an unexpected car repair was on our horizon.   I no longer was confident that my needs would be met.

As one who has been purchased by the blood of Jesus, I can be assured that He will meet all my needs according to the glorious riches of God. (Philippians 4:19)  When I sense His calling into a certain mission or ministry, then, I can move confidently, knowing that He will fill every one of my needs.  

I will find people volunteering to do what needs to be done, covering every necessary task and providing materials that are required.  Therefore, I need not worry about how everything will be accomplished but simply give God time to meet my needs.  He knows better than I what is necessary to carry out His will and only He has unlimited resources.  (Matthew 6:31-33, Psalm 50:10)

Knowing that all needs will be met frees me up to focus on the important business of loving, encouraging, teaching, serving and nurturing people.  This is the advantage of having a heavenly Father with unlimited resources who is looking out for me.

When I am doing His business, I can depend on God to meet all the needs necessary for accomplishing the task at hand.

Sometimes its hard to know if I'm being obedient to God's calling in my life or if I'm simply trying to do things for Him.  I will know when it's from God when people are willing to join in, hearts are moved in the same direction, and needs are met.  These are the hallmarks of the mighty hand of God as He works in the lives of His people.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can move forward in confidence, knowing that God will give me what I need to do what He's called me to do.

When do I try to force something forward instead of letting God drive my service?

How am I guilty of worrying how needs will be met?