“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms”. 1 Peter 4:10

Some of us have the gift to serve but we don’t know how to use it in service to God and man. I believe all of the gifts and abilities God gave us were intended for us to KNOW what they are, cultivate them, and as a result, glorify God because of our mastery of them. The gift of serving can take on different manifestations or functions. Serving is often seen as a low-level, inconsequential role- so much so that the thought of being labeled a “server” can bear negative connotations. Rightfully so- depending on your experience. When we think of “servers” in the context of the marketplace- we think of people in the food and beverage industries. They are not the hosts, neither are they the Chef, sus chef, or restaurant owner. I will consider those who can do it all but not in this case. I’ve experienced people who have turned their noses down to service jobs and the service industry. So I speak from that perspective. I also for a long time before I was humbled by God- did not have a favorable look on service jobs. Then I had the opportunity to occupy positions in the food industry- such as cooking and dishwashing. Yes, dishwashing! Lol. I laugh now because I never imagined I would be someone who would take those jobs- but that goes to show you- never say never. Yet- I don’t think I would change those experiences. I learned so much and believe as an emerging businessman with extraordinary visions for the marketplace- those experiences will set me apart- giving me the leverage that can only come from being in the trenches- and working from the ground up.

Those experiences have also given me a language and a sensitivity to the population who have worked and toiled for years in those environments- while not being able to receive a living wage and provide for themselves and their families in correlation to their work ethic.

I believe Jesus knows and understands EVERY aspect of the human experience. We don’t. God can read our hearts. Depending on what is in there(considering all of our experiences- traumas and misfortunes included) we may be led to experiences that will change the contents of our hearts to align with God’s perspectives for our lives, for humanity and for His overall will.

“For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning.” Hebrews 4:15 AMPC

This process of transformation can look different for everyone and is influenced by several things- your surrender and obedience being a couple of them. The beautiful thing about this is that God helps us to transform. The Word talks about the transforming power of God working within us to produce the impossible.

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, can [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]” Ephesians 3:30 AMPC

So we don’t have to worry too much about how we are going to change our long-held ways that are deeply rooted in the subconscious. We only have to believe that God can do the impossible. But being confident that He who started a good thing in you will work it out in you.

“[He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching;“…

Back to the topic of serving…

Some of you have been serving your entire life. You’ve been serving family members, and friends, extending yourself beyond work hours and the job’s ability to pay. You’ve been living in your gifts your entire life but were unware- and as a result, exploited and taken advantage of. You may have felt burnt out and unappreciated or underappreciated. This may have conjured up feelings of resentment and unforgiveness for the people, places, and things who may have abused you knowingly and unknowingly.

“He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.” Romans 12: 7-8

If any of this resonates I beckon you to come to a place of acceptance if you have not already. And ask God to deliver you from any ugly feelings you may have had from those experiences. God understands that all you wanted to do was do your best and show these people that you had good intentions and wanted them and their businesses to thrive. Understand friend, that you were simply embodying this aspect of your giftings without discernment and the wisdom God gives us to live wisely. Now that you know better, you will do better. The only difference now should be that you are steadfastly keeping your eye on the Prize. The Prize is Jesus.

When you keep your eyes on Him in ALL that you do- all things work out for your good. Even if the hearts of the people you are serving are wicked. God will see that your intentions are to serve Him and to establish a reputation of God that is True and unchanging. God will empower you to do the impossible AND protect you in the process. You will be able to serve consistently, efficiently, and proactively when everyone else is worn out and angry. You will have the peace that surpasses understanding and the joy that can only come from the Lord. It is an opportunity to reveal the wonder-working power of God as you put on an immaculate show of #service- whether it is dishwashing, cooking, or running a restaurant business. It is all for the glory of God. In Him, we accomplish the impossible. In Him we make the mundane and the mediocre look extraordinary and extravagant. God will use the little that you have and apply His favor to it- making it miraculous.

This is the move of God in the marketplace in this era. Taking what you have and blowing upon it. You and the Spirit of God will accomplish the impossible. Don’t feel left behind because of the advancement of technology. You are enough where you are. Bring what you have to God and let Him lead you to the lands that will welcome your gifts and talents. God has the blueprint for your life. It comes with strategies, provisions, protection, and all spiritual blessings.

According to the Word of the Lord- this place has already been prepared for you. Take your eyes off the values and concerns of the world and take some time to immerse yourself in the revelations of the Kingdom of God. The Good Book is the first frame of reference to know, understand, and GROW in the discernment and revelation of Who God is and who you are- simultaneously. As you do this- you will grow immensely. Your confidence will be perfected and your identity will align perfectly with Christ Jesus.

 “Behold, I have set the land before you; go in and take possession of the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and to their descendants after them.” Deuteronomy 1:8

Jesus Christ came not to be served but to serve.

“Just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [the price paid to set them free].” Matthew 20:28

Your ability to serve is a revelation of your divinity. Don’t minimize this or allow a person’s one-dimensional interpretation of this precious gift to have you despise the blessing it is to be a humble servant in a world that thrives on taking.

I pray you are encouraged and reminded of how special you are to God. As you increase in the revelation of your value to God- you will also increase in the revelation of the value of your purpose as was designed by God. You shall live and have your being in this special place of service where you will establish the kingdom of God according to God’s acceptable, good, and perfect plan for your life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.