Now is the time

Abigail lost no time...~1 Samuel 25:18





I was sharing with the students of our youth group last week about what God had been laying on my heart lately. The thought that now is the time. You've probably heard the story about David, Abigail, and Nabel and if you haven't you can find the whole account in 1 Samuel 25. What so stands out in this story is Abigail's response. The time to do something was right then and there. The fate of Abigail's family and workers hung in the balance. She could do nothing and watch as the lives of those she loved was destroyed or she could act. Abigail chose action. She wasn't a trained negotiator but she could pack a mean picnic. This woman loaded the whole kitchen and set off to meet David. She wasn't focused on what she couldn't do, she did what she could do.



Today we face the same decision that Abigail faced. We can do nothing and watch as our loved ones and those in our sphere of influence run head long into destruction or we can act. We can make excuses, site our inadequacies, and do nothing. Or we can do what we can do.

You don't have to be a licensed, ordained minister to build Christ's kingdom. God didn't give us all the same gifts. The pastor "does what he/she can do". The person making cookies or a meal for a family in need "does what they can do". Someone who loves children and gives single moms a day off "does what they can do". Someone who is mechanically inclined that helps with car care for those in need "does what they can do".



Now is the time to let your light shine.

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14 ~ The Message