Yes, I’m still gone. Still in Las Vegas. Still enjoying the group of assistants who have gathered to learn about themselves and about how to do their jobs more efficiently as we serve Jesus.

I pray that as you head out to work today that you will take Jesus with you. Even if you can’t talk about Jesus at work, Jesus must go with you. Don’t leave Him at home. Ask Him to join you in your day. Be reminded of His presence through your day. Allow Him to lead and guide as you do your work. I’m sure it will make a difference.

Today’s repeat blog post is yet another about work. I pray that you will find a little nugget in this words. Blessings to you today!

To the Work!

Tonight in my women’s Bible study, we will begin looking at and working through the parable of the talents from Matthew 25. While some think that Jesus’ parables are just little stories He told, we have come to realize that there are deep thoughts in each parable and plenty of ways to relate these lessons in our lives. Today’s lesson is no different.

There’s a Florence Nightingale quote in our lesson book that should stir each heart. See if you don’t agree.

“If I could give you information of my life it would be show how a woman of very ordinary ability has been led by God in strange and unaccustomed paths to do in His service what He has done in her. And if I could tell you all, you would see how God has done all, and I nothing. I have worked hard, very hard, that is all; and I have never refused God anything.”[i]

In the parable of the talents, we see three men given different amounts of money. Two invested the money stewarded to them. They worked hard at making something of what was given to them. They were rewarded by making more money and blessed by their master.

The third man worked…just a little. He dug a hole and buried the money. Obviously, nothing was gained by this action and by doing so, enraged the master.

How much or how little are you working for your Master? How much or how little are you using your talents for the Kingdom of God? How much or how little are you developing the talents that have been entrusted to you?

Much like Florence Nightingale, we are ordinary people. Nothing extremely special about you or I. But when we allow God to work through us and when we put our own hard work into it, God will do some remarkable work. Perhaps some of His best work.

Today I pray that you will take a look at your talents and skills and determine whether you are using them for God’s good. If not, what changes need to be made?

I also pray that you will ask God to use you in a way you can’t even imagine. Use you in a way that is outside your comfort zone or abilities. When He does, it will be in those moments that you will know God had His hand in it.

Let’s get to work!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] Live Deeply: A Study in the Parables of Jesus, Lenya Heitzig and Penny Rose, David C. Cook, 2009, page 167.