Remove Me and Use Me

I absolutely love when God orchestrates several details to make his point! 

I hope this doesn't seem like a scattered post, but I've got it all in my head and will try to put it into words, the best I can.

In our Bible Study class last night, we studied the Tower of Babel story in Genesis.  We really focused on the aspect of God scattering them, in direct relation to their disobedience to Him.   When they spoke one language they had power to work together and build something that was not honoring to God; something that took their focus off of God's desire for them.   As a result of their focus being on their own strengths and not on God's purpose, they dishonored Him.

Because of what God saw in their actions (and most likely, in their hearts) He confused their language and scattered them; therefore, separating them from one another.    I would guess this was a painful process for the people because we like to run in herds, for lack of a better term.

And, we are no different today than they were back then!

We like to be a part of organizations, groups, cliques, committees and other clusters of people.   We enjoy the fellowship, the accomplishments, and sometimes we even thrive on the "kudos" we get from the other members or those who are watching what we do.

There are times when God leaves us there, to do what He wants us to do.   Then there are times when He pulls us away from our cluster and asks us to walk alone.   This is tough!  I know firsthand that it goes against what all of those groups proclaim.    But, it's very often what God asks us to do, in order for Him to use us.

Sometimes God pulls us away from our service at church or the mission field; sometimes it's away from relationships and friendships.    Each time He requires this, we feel pulled by the ones left behind.  They don't understand why you can't or won't join them.   Sometimes they will even question if you're actually following God's will.  However, they are focused, once again, on the group, not on the individual.

I've experienced this several times in my years as a Christian; even in the very beginning, when God was "wooing" me and turning my heart from the world to Him.    

In later years,  God separated me from service at church, in order that I would take up the ministry of raising and homeschooling my children, without the distraction of outside work or accolades.

Throughout those years, he has occasionally removed me from certain friendships; ones that caused grief or strife in my heart, or took my focus off of Him.

Each time God has removed me from something, He has always been faithful to reveal, not his purpose, but his peace, that it was for a reason.    It was up to me to trust Him and each time I did, I would be satisfied to know that what he was doing, was for my benefit and for His glory.

To cap off our lesson last night, I had two friends confirm that God was in the process of removing them from service, for a season.   Each one has a peace about what God is doing in their lives.

God is faithful ladies!  He "has a plan - plans to prosper us, not to harm us."   We only have to trust and obey!

Is God removing you from something today?   Is he revealing to you a new route - maybe one where you must walk alone for a season?    If so, don't fight it!    Let God take you where He can use you for His glory and His plan.  

You might walk alone - as far as no longer part of the crowd.  But, you'll never walk alone, as far as God standing with you and guiding and leading you.    You just have to trust that He knows what He's doing.   After all - He is God.

Happy walking,
Debbie