If you want to fulfill God’s will, start by serving Him today. Sometimes we can become so enamored by the future that we fail to wholeheartedly serve the Lord in the present. Discontentment will always rob us of the joy of serving God in our present location, and drives us to make abrupt decisions we will later regret. Evangelist Bob Jones, Sr. often said, “Dependability is the greatest ability.” Choose to be faithful right where you are planted. If we cannot be trusted with the smaller tasks of today, why should God give us greater tasks tomorrow?
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10)
F.B. Meyer said, “Don’t waste your time waiting and longing for large opportunities which may never come. But faithfully handle the little things that are always claiming your attention.” I once read this helpful proverb in a book, “I will do what I can right where I am.” That should be every Christian’s motto every day. Does that describe your attitude? Faithfully serve the Lord today and God can trust you with greater responsibilities tomorrow.
Paul and Barnabas proved themselves as faithful servants in the work of the Lord, and God called them into a new season of service. Because of their faithfulness, the Holy Spirit made it abundantly clear God had another mission for them to fulfill. You cannot expect God to give you further direction if you’re not obediently following His directions where He has presently placed you.
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas
and Saul [Paul] for the work whereunto I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)
Joseph is another great example of a faithful servant—regardless of his circumstances. He had many opportunities to grow bitter towards his brothers, his circumstances, and even God. Yet he continued to serve God with his whole heart right where God placed him for as long as God wanted him there. A new place or position doesn’t magically transform you into a faithful servant of Christ. The way you serve today, is how you will serve tomorrow—regardless of the place or position.
Many people stop serving in their spirit before they physically leave their post. This happens all the time in churches, schools, and the workplace. My pastor once said, “God’s will is daily, not distant.” If you are daily walking with God, He will make His will known to you when the timing is right for a change. If God does lead you through another open door, it’s always God’s will for you to leave in the best way possible. It’s not how you start, but how you finish that people remember. Be careful not to burn bridges. Do everything you can to leave in an honorable way with a right spirit because your service reflects the One you serve.
Missionary David Livingstone said, “I’d rather be in the heart of Africa in the will of God, than on the throne of England, out of the will of God.” Remember, God’s will is not about pursuing a new place or position; it’s about daily serving the Person of Jesus Christ wherever God places you. Serving God doesn’t start tomorrow; it starts today.