For Such a Time as THIS…PARTICIPATE

By Val Patton #StuffValSaif

For such a time as this!

What are you doing? Are you sitting on the sidelines waiting for something to happen, or are you making things happen? The easy way is to sit and do nothing… should have, could have, and if I could! That is not how we are built as a people! We are built to participate and make a way out of no way! We are to contribute whatever we bring and share it!

1 Peter 4:10 urges us to use our gifts to serve one another as stewards of God’s grace. This verse emphasizes the responsibility to use one’s gifts to serve others, acting as faithful stewards of God’s grace. It encourages us to participate actively.

We have seen this as our region was stricken with a devastating tornado that has left many in our underestimated communities without housing, food, clothing, and much more! But when we showed up, we did just the thing! We have been participating through many channels… time, talent, treasures!

What is your WHY for participating? Are you participating to be seen and boast about “look at me and what I have done”? I hope and pray this is not the case! Are you being faithful and consistent in your participation? I hope and pray so! Participating is not measured in dollars, size, or boasting! Participating comes from a humble heart that sees others’ needs before theirs. Participating is about doing! Participating is about being on purpose! Participation calls us to be in a beloved community with one another!

Galatians 6:2 — “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse encourages us to carry each other’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ. It highlights the importance of active participation in supporting and helping others who are struggling.

In the days ahead, I ask you to have a mindset of being faithful in your participation! Pick that thing you are called to and be active in it! There is so much work to be done! If each of us does that one thing, we will make a difference where we are and in our larger beloved community! We are all in this together!

Romans 1:11-12 — “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” This verse expresses a desire to share spiritual gifts and encourage one another, emphasizing the importance of actively participating in building up and not tearing down! We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers! “I am because we are, and because we are, I am!… Ubuntu!”

If we don’t heed the call, who will? Let’s get to work!

Galatians 6:9 — “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

Peace and blessings! Love you!