Co-laboring in Faith-Driven Enterprises
When we submit our will and resources to God, we have no idea where it will lead. But we can rest assured that if he calls, he will provide and equip us.
We are each uniquely gifted and resourced. God has also seen fit to place us in different families, communities, and countries, even in our business ventures. By necessity, our labor will look different because the needs we confront and the resources and skills we possess are different.
Do not limit yourself to imagining that there are only a handful of ways to co-labor with Jesus. You should not assume therefore that Jesus wants you to do exactly what your church brother or best friend is doing. He may have a unique and special call for you.
Listen for his voice. Be alert. There is a lot of work to do, and Jesus invites you to join him in getting it done.
We must also be willing to think creatively. For example, “good works” must often be funded. For many of us, being a co-laborer with Jesus may involve simply working hard at our profession of teacher, nurse, accountant, attorney, administrative assistant, or plumber, in order to earn the money that can be donated to help those in the world around us. Too many of us express discontent, that our jobs lack meaning and we are bored.
Perhaps it is time to change our perspective
The apostle Paul was a tentmaker and Jesus was a carpenter. Do you think Paul complained about the monotony of his work while making tents? Or was he filled with excitement as he stitched each seam, knowing that the money earned from the sale of those tents would help fund his next missionary journey? And what about Jesus? For most of his adult life he worked as a carpenter. Did you ever consider the amount he likely saved from sales of the tables and benches he made in his woodshed over so many years? Perhaps it was that money that Jesus later used to care for himself and his disciples during his three-year ministry on earth.
God has specific plans, or assignments, for us. Our life assignments, and calling from God will not necessarily be about any ability that you may have, but God’s ability. Know that the appointing and empowering of Christ is all you need for the journey. His power will see you through. We work together as a unit to achieve what God desires, not just your enterprise, and part of that is building His body of believers.
When God appoints, He also empowers. He is faithful to provide all that you need, and He will work through you—weaknesses and all.