Have you ever read something in the Bible and it felt weird or didn’t make sense, so you just pretended that part wasn’t there? Maybe it was Elisha and the bears in 2 Kings 2, or Ehud in Judges 3 … there are lots of passages in the Bible that are bizarre and unexpected! For me, it was the book of Romans. I always felt like the apostle Paul was being a bit bossy for my liking, so I avoided reading it.
While in seminary, an opportunity came to spend a semester translating and dissecting Romans. It wasn’t going to be easy, but I knew I needed to stop ignoring Romans and put some effort into understanding. What I found was an absolutely beautiful collection of lessons, admonitions, and guardrails for living as children of God.
God used His Word to give clarity to my heart condition, my stubbornness, and decided misunderstanding. In the same way, God is using our time in Romans 10 as a reminder to keep leaning into things, situations, and passages that are uncomfortable so that we can continue being refined into His image. Just as God used Paul to bring clarity, God wants to use you to bring clarity to folks who are confused about salvation.
God’s Word changes us for a purpose. We are to be His ambassadors, His hands and feet to bring light into darkness and clarity from confusion. How can God use you? Maybe it is in your office, your friend group, your classroom, or even your PTO meeting. Maybe it is in the grocery store or at a local food bank. God wants to use you, and He wants you to use your gifts and experiences to give clarity and hope to others.
So where do we start? First, the heart check. Do you believe He is your Lord or are you following through with habits? Are you avoiding what the Spirit is calling you to do because you’re afraid?
Second, the gut check. Are you willing to lean into the things that can feel uncomfortable? Do you think that you have nothing of value or that those around you aren’t really lost, anyway? What is holding you back?
Lastly, the opportunity check. Each of us is presented with opportunities that are suited just for us, but we miss them because we’re caught in our own world. People who are walking a path similar to ours, or struggling with things that we have struggled with, and who the Lord placed in our path so that we speak directly to those things. How can we be hands and feet if we aren’t taking every opportunity He gives?
So lean in and look up! He has placed you where you are for a reason! Ask, and He will show you where and how you can use your gifts and experiences to bring clarity in your sphere of influence and the world around!
May you live sent!