Positioned for Greatness

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Today's Passage> Nehemiah chapter 2
Memory Verse> 1 Corinthians 1: 27

In our society, there's this thing for celebrities that I just can't figure out. All a person has to do is become popular for any crazy old thing nowadays, and people fall all over each other just to be included in a group that gets to meet them. It started out with pop and movie stars, which seemed innocent enough. But in more recent years, the infatuation with celebrities has been expanded to criminals of every kind who peddle their wares on camera and do their best to teach the younger generation that sex, drugs and guns are the right kind of dream to aspire to.

Even in the Christian community, we pass on the same infatuation with stars to pastors and singers that are on television regularly. Believers will barely make it to church on a regular basis, but will pack out an arena to see a televangelist or gospel artist. It turns out that God, too, has a thing for famous people, although not in the way we think. God's agenda involves positioning those who represent Him next to people of very influential status. Here's how and why I believe He does this.

Bishop Ray Willis often says, "God's got this uncanny idea that it's all about Him.". This statement is true in that God wants His glory to be revealed in the most unlikely but prominent of places. HOW does He do this? Why, He's God, of course! He is more than capable of sending His ministering spirits to orchestrate moving us from one place to another until He has us exactly where He wants us. God did this with David, who was just a shepherd boy taking his brothers something to eat when he was thrust into the battle between the Israelites and Philistines. Esther wasn't sure she would ever be chosen from a long list of girls from prominent backgrounds, but her favor with the king paid off. Daniel and Joseph found themselves in similar positions, all of them having one thing in common with Nehemiah: they were all totally devoted to bringing God's will to pass.

God has a way of getting His will done by people who under normal circumstances would never dream of allowing it to happen. God has always wanted His will to prevail over that of people who think they are too powerful to need Him. That's why He uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. All Nehemiah was doing was being a cupbearer for the king in today's passage. All he had was a heart for God's city not to remain in ruins. And because of His heart, God allowed Him to be positioned among great men so that the city walls would be rebuilt. Don't despise the day of small beginnings, for you, too, are being positioned to walk in favor among great men for His glory. Just never lose your burden for God's heart, and never seek to please man rather than God. By the time all's said and done,you will be on your way to accomplishing something awesome for the Kingdom.

Prayer: Father, thank You for what You've ordained to accomplish in my life. I know You have a purpose for me, and so I release You to pour out Your favor in spite of my limitations. I let go of every doubt and ask that You get ALL the glory in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.