15 Dec RIGHT WHERE I AM SUPPOSED TO BE

“God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply” — Hudson Taylor

I aspired to be a doctor but landed up as an educator. I am right where I am supposed to be, for that has been the will of God for my life; and God never makes mistakes. This I can say confidently, because His presence continues to be with me through this exciting professional journey, in all my successes as well as failures. He supplies all my needs as I address 1400 odd adolescents and 100 odd teachers each day at my workplace. The insights that God gives me in every situation stumps me and leaves me asking for more such experiences. I am sure many of you can relate to this exciting journey with our Lord, Who has called each one of us with a purpose and has left an example for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works

We have been called to take care of God’s creation and to protect it. I believe this also includes our co-workers at our workplace. Man at his core, is evil, sinful and deceitful as the Bible says, but among us evil men are some good qualities and as Christ’s followers, it is our job to bring out those good qualities. It’s a great challenge, but with God nothing is impossible. This comes in handy when I deal with interpersonal issues with staff at my workplace. It also gives me an opportunity to give my colleagues a sneak-peek into the Bible as I sort out issues at my workplace.

Work is full time Ministry

God inaugurates His kingdom by creating humankind in His image, to be stewards of His creation. Taking care of God’s creation encompasses all professions that we are involved in (including home making).

Through the years I realised that a complete surrendered-life in Christ is vital to make our workplace our mission field. Opportunities come at random and at times when least expected. So, to be prepared at all times and to seek God’s wisdom at all instances is the key. There is no harm in whispering a small prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to enable us to do His Will in the matter at hand.

It’ll be good to remember here that it is God Who will be doing His work through us. We are slaves to our Master.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

We have been called to build the kingdom of God

A description of the Kingdom of God can be found in Genesis 1, wherein God pronounces everything to be ‘good’. We find the preview of the Kingdom, envisaged by God but marred by Satan, in the Word of God. They say that actions speak louder than words. Faith without action is dead according to James in Chapter 2. We are missionaries called to leave the imprint of Christ in every act, decision and communication of ours, displaying the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22. God builds His Kingdom through the ‘surrendered’ us. As an example, through the lesson “Alcohols, phenols and ethers” I speak to my students on substance abuse and even the biblical standards of sex. “Esters” is another topic in my subject which opens a window for me to talk about ‘Easter’ and give the Gospel message.

It’s a mandate and not a choice.

It’s a command given by God Himself to all believers to reach out to all nations and to teach through our lives, words, and actions, promising the Indwelling Holy Spirit to be with us always. (Acts 1:8 and Matthew 28:16-20)

We create the Kingdom of God wherever we are present, and the Holy Spirit enables the impact and aroma thereof to spread wide. When the Lord Jesus taught us to pray that the kingdom of God should come and His will be done on earth as in heaven, Jesus expected us to realise that we are to be the answer to our own prayer! At my professional expanse, I create a personal space and trust, wherein staff come in with confidence to share their issues, and ask for prayer. Even the students come to me as a last resort seeking advice; opportunities galore!!

Your Word is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path.
An important pre-requisite is that our walk and our talk must match!

Walking closely with God will help us not to lose focus on our mission. When I use verses from the Bible to complement my talk, it adds value and validity.

Jesus did not say, “Look, if you are in the mood, if it works into your busy schedule, as a personal favour to Me, would you consider going into the world and making disciples?” No. The great Commission is a command given to all believers. Although we speak, the transformation of the hearts is the work of the Holy Spirit. Hence fellowship with God and His Word is the catalyst to be obedient to His calling.

Mission accomplished?
To accomplish our mission, we must keep our Eyes, Heart, Hands and Possessions open.
Creating the kingdom of God wherever we go should be at the forefront of our thoughts.
Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10 is a good example for us to emulate.

Open eyes: ”But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.” Do we look with compassion at people and situations with open eyes? Or do we respond like the Levite and the priest who also had their eyes open?

Open heart: “He went to him” The heart was pumping blood, but the Spirit was pumping compassion. The Samaritan’s love was neutral, non-prejudiced, godly. There was no discrimination, he just saw a man suffering. God encourages me to be bold and take that first step towards the person.

Open hands: “bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.”
The Samaritan did whatever he knew, with whatever he had.

He was willing to give his time, to give his very best to a person who was in great need. He was certainly busy and was on a mission, so were the Levite and the priest. They held back without opening their hands.

What are we holding back?

Abraham did not hold back Isaac and give Ishmael instead.

Ananias and Sapphira held back part of the money, and they died.

I try to go beyond my call for duty at my workplace.

Open possessions: “Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’”

The Samaritan, not thinking about himself, put him on his donkey. It’ll be good to remind ourselves that we are on a journey, not of self-accomplishment but of self-giving. Our treasures are laid up in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy (Matthew 6: 19-20)

A few questions I would like to ask myself along with all of you:

• How much time do I have for this?
• Does my walk with the Lord impact my decisions?
• What are my fears? Are they stopping me from being effective?
• What are the deceptions of the devil that I am giving in to?
• You gave me love

You gave me faith
You gave me courage to endure
You gave me light
You gave me strength
That abide me as I grow
The Call from my Father above

It’s my Father’s call
Yes, it’s God’s call

(excerpts from the song “The Call” by Hubert Dapliyan)

Our mission is to build God’s kingdom wherever we are, even so at our workplace. So, vocation and mission cannot be considered as separate entities but as one unit. Many believers struggle with aspirations, ambitions and humility. My moto is simple. Be ambitious. Work hard with sincerity. But seek the will of God in everything including your ambition. The journey is important. Do the footprints you leave lead others to Christ?

Florence Joseph is an active member of UESI Delhi. She is the Vice Principal of a CBSE school and teaches Chemistry to Senior Secondary students. She is married to Joseph Manoharan and they have two daughters. They are actively involved in UESI Delhi ministry and their passion is to counsel young couples and college students.