2 Timothy 2
20-In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets--some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage.
The Message
Lord, I want to be a container. Any kind of container will do. So long as it is Yours, in service in Your kitchen, any that it suits Your purpose for me to be is the one I want to be.
For Lord, it doesn’t matter if I am a crystal goblet, though crystal is surely beautiful and delicate. Because, Lord, I know that crystal is fragile, and is easily broken if it is not handled with the utmost of care.
It doesn’t matter if I am a silver platter, though silver shines brightly and is a precious metal. Because, Lord, we both know that silver will tarnish and fade with frequent use or if left to the elements.
And it doesn’t even matter if it is Your choice for me to be a waste can. Because I know that even though it is usually not pleasing to the eyes or nose, for that matter, it serves a purpose that is needed very much.
You are the potter, Lord, and I am merely clay. It is You who spins the wheel and it is Your hands that mold and shape me into the form that You want me to be. And I know that it is Your decision, Lord, what form that I take on. For You alone know my purpose. The work that is for me alone to do. What kind of vessel will best complete the tasks that You have set before me.
I know, Lord, whatever those tasks should be- that even if they seem small in the eyes of the world- that there are no small tasks to You. The container that holds the fruit is as important as the one that dispenses the wine. And the container that holds the trash is still lovely to You, even if not to anyone else, because it is doing something that You need to have done. Something that is furthering the work that is done in Your kitchen and Your kingdom.
If it will help You for me to clean your house, then show me the broom closet. If it will help You for me to stand at the door, welcoming in those who come, then I will do it with my best smile. And if it will be helpful to You for me to go out into the streets and invite souls to come, then just let me tie up my Reeboks.
As long as I am useful to You, Lord. As longs as what fills me up is You. As long as what is poured out is You. Your wondrous grace. Your precious mercy. Your unending love. Then I will be happy to be anything You deem me to be.
Thank you for the opportunity, Lord. Thank You for believing me worthy of any task, great or small, that needs to be done for Your name. Help me be the very best of whatever type vessel that it is Your purpose for me to be that I possibly can. Even if it is the waste can, Lord.
I Love You, Lord.
Copyright 06-mgw
Read more articles by Michelle Greene Wheeler or search for articles on the same topic or others.