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By: Candice Irion

January 18, 2013

“For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends,” 2 Cor. 10:18

A Shepherd to a King.  A Layman who built an ark.  A Carpenter who saved our souls.

Just when we think we are no good, the discards from our communities, we realize the world—or man’s approval—really has no play in the matter.  God does what He wants.  If He wants you for the job, you’ll have it.  He’ll move Heaven and earth, but it will be yours.  If He wants the script to go to the screen, He’ll do it.

But what if it doesn’t happen?  What if the script is always a script?  If the actor stays in the indie world and doesn’t get up to the national platform?  One has to consider that God has us right where He wants us.  If the script never makes it… ok.  It was meant for those who’ve read it.   If the actor doesn't see the silver screen? They still have a sphere of influence right where they are, even if they don't see it.  I don’t believe we give any value for the rankings in between the top and the bottom.  We should because there is much purpose in each. 

Being refined in the process is a huge Biblical principle.  The effects of the ministry to others, another.  
But, let's move in a different direction and look at a different angle.

The world will take from you, your craft and your project what it wants and then discards.  See the celebrities? The world takes and takes from their lives and doesn’t leave them alone until the feasting is over.  Then, they are has-beens.  During the process? It isn’t a refinement of personal benefit… it is a refinement for what the market wants.  That chin? That is not lead actress material.  Your weight? Try again.  We work so hard to be as the world approves.  How much of our lives are spent circulating around “I gotta be this, I gotta do that”?

How about the polar opposites: accolades and put downs? These also rattle around in our heads consistently.  “Oh you are so good at this.”  Or “You stink at that.  Why can’t you…”  In effect, being as the world would want us gets us in knots and chains.

Maybe on the exterior, or in our careers, being as the world would want us has excelled you to that promotion or to the top of the pack.  What about on the inside?  My guess is underneath the gratification of being at the top of the pack, there is a lining of frustration of just wanting to be who you are and isn’t that good enough? 

I’m not saying status quo or being stagnant are the places to be either.   But, moving forward in God’s will is the place to be.  Boasting in what He has done, what He continues to do and then being diligent to follow Him in all things and all aspects of life are what is key.  Focusing your thoughts on His love for you and not “I’m so great, or I am so aweful” changes your perspective, thoughts... actions.

Realize God’s mode of transportation: refinement.  He takes the Shepherd and makes him a king.  He takes the layman and makes him a master craftsman and sailor (when there was no previous rain, mind you).  He takes the Carpenter and….  He takes you and me and makes us into who He wants us to be.

"...being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus," (Philippians 1:6).

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do," (Ephesians 2:10)

Still feeling like you're still not up to snuff? Check this out:

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong,” (1 Cor. 1:27).

So, when you’re on the down and out and feeling like nothing is ever going to come from your labor, or that you are just the discard of the world, take heart.   God has His eye on you.  He has a purpose for your work whether it is for your neighbor or the globe.  He has already entrusted you with His gospel (1 Thess. 2:6) He has already first loved you (1 John 4:19). 

Thus, look and boast on Him today and leave the thoughts of personal glory or gory behind.  It will change your world.



© 2013 Candice Irion.  All Rights Reserved.