Have you ever watched a bus drive off that you were supposed to be on? Maybe you were left behind at school as a student because you forget to get your permission slip signed for a particular outing, or maybe you missed a game as an athlete because you arrived at the parking lot late and the team left without you. If so, how did it make you feel? If not, can you imagine the pain and hurt disappointment it would cause?
Spiritually speaking, we awaken everyday with the opportunity to take our seat on God’s bus. The question we face is, “Will each of us answer God’s call?”
This question is not only for pastors, missionaries, or people with official titles. It is a question for every disciple of Jesus Christ. God has a place for you, a purpose for you, and a calling for you!
Judges 9 tells a sobering story about what can happen when good and fruitful people refuse to step forward. Jotham, the only surviving son of Gideon, describes the trees in this Old Testament Parable as looking for someone to rule over them. They first approach the olive tree, then the fig tree, then the vine. Each one is fruitful and valuable. Yet each says, in effect, “I am too busy producing what I was made to produce. I don’t want the responsibility of leading.” Then the trees turn to the bramble – a thornbush. The bramble has no fruit to offer. It provides no meaningful shade. Yet it eagerly accepts the position. That is the danger of an empty seat. When people who are capable, faithful, prayerful, and gifted continually say, “Someone else will do it,” the place of influence does not remain empty forever. Someone eventually fills it.
The lesson is not that everyone must seek a position of power. In God’s Kingdom, it is quite the opposite. The lesson is that we must be willing to use the gifts and talents of what God has given us for the good of others. God has placed gifts in every one of us. He asks you to be faithful with what He has placed in your hands.
In Isaiah, we find the Prophet himself in the presence of a most Holy God. Isaiah becomes painfully aware of his own unworthiness. But God cleanses him, prepares him, and then asks this soul rattling question, “Whom shall I send?” Isaiah does not say, “I’m not qualified,” “someone else should do it,” “I’m too busy,” or “let me check my calendar.” He simply responds, “Here am I. Send me!” That is the heart of Christian discipleship.
Trinity Conference, our communities are looking for people who will answer God’s call to stand in the gap. Don’t leave your seat empty. God can take an ordinary person who responds, “Here am I. Send me,” and accomplish extraordinary things through obedience to His calling.
We have numerous events and trainings coming up in the Trinity Conference over the next few months to give us the knowledge and courage we need to take our rightful seat on the bus, including area revivals led by our newly elected Bishop, numerous School of Ministry trainings, and “Spirit & Truth” workshops in various areas. Our hope and encouragement is for every person to be part of these as we seek to multiply leaders, make disciples, and partner in planting.
To God Be the Glory!
Your Conference Co-Lay Leaders,
Oscar Garza, Esq.
Dr. Sarah Kruetziger
John Dawson
P.S. It is truly an honor to be serving the Trinity Conference as Lay Delegates while at General Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. We look forward to sharing more about our experiences in a later newsletter.
