How May I Serve You?

In the earlier days of home computers, when windows and icons were yet a dream, there was DOS. When you turned the computer on, you received a C Prompt. (C:/)  This let you know the computer was ready for information.  My husband, being the creative character he is, would change the prompt when he set up a computer. My computer opened up saying “Yes, my love?” For a friend of ours, David set the prompt to say “How may I serve you, Master Jeff?”
This came to mind one morning as I was pondering ways to serve. I asked the Lord, “How may I serve you, today?” I thought of those around me and wondered how I could serve them. Actually these are one and the same question. When I give my day the Lord, with a heart ready to serve Him, He will show me how to serve those He places in my life that day. There’s no list to check off for the ‘who’ or the ‘how‘. It’s unique to the day and to the way.
So how can we serve the Lord? How can we serve those around us? How can we be led by the Holy Spirit to the ‘who’ and ‘how’ of our service? This can appear very tricky. We can meditate on this question and devise a seemingly right formula for serving. We can look to how others serve and imitate them. Both methods eventually lead to burnout. We may feel good about what we’re doing for a time. But eventually, our strength will give out and we will wonder where our peace and joy have gone.
Asking the Lord this question recently, I considered the things he has done for me. Some blessings came directly from Him, and others through people He sent. Much of what He brought to my mind were the hard times He has walked me through.  He promises “[I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!].” (Hebrews 13:5)  Through the many situations I have encountered in this life, I have experienced this presence and secure grip of God.
We are to acknowledge, thank and share what God has done for us.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),  Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  Comfort and encouragement are given, both to sustain us and equip us to give it away.
 Armed with these promises and direction, I can look for the person God has for me to help next. God has guided me through so many things during the 35 years I have walked with him. Some of these things are big and some are little. The people I meet today may be going through big trials or little ones. They may be having great joys or quiet contentment. I may have a direct word to speak into their situation. I may have a tangible gift that can meet the current need. I may just silently pray and seek direction for future conversation or action. There’s no magic formula, no power point presentation to refer to.  
So, just as the home computer is a tool to assist us in many things, so we also are made to be a tool in the hands of the Lord. ” For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”  (Ephesians 2:10)  Workmanship, masterpiece and unique creation all describe us. He created me specifically for a purpose that only I can fill. He created you specifically for a purpose that only you can fill.  As a craftsman chooses the right tool, specific to the task at hand, so God has chosen you and me today for a specific purpose. Uniquely crafted, specifically tempered by the good and bad times in our past, we can go out with confidence. The creator of the universe and lover of his creation wants to bless today. And, prepared and ready for this day, I get the privilege to be part of that.  Yeah!
 “What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].” (1 Corinthians 2:9)  This promise from Scripture can be both daunting and exhilarating.  It is worked out each and every day.  Do you love Him?  Do you gratefully recognize His benefits?  Do you want to fulfill the purpose only you can fill today? All you have to do is ask, “How may I serve you, Master Jesus?” Then open your eyes and your heart.  He will give you the direction.