Anonymous, but Indispensable

Aug 31, 2020

‘...parts…that seem…least important are…most necessary.’1 Corinthians 12:22 NLT

In his book Encourage Me, Charles Swindoll asks the following questions: ‘Who taught Martin Luther his theology and inspired his translation of the New Testament? Who visited Dwight L. Moody at a shoe store and spoke to him about Christ?… Who financed William Carey’s ministry in India? Who refreshed the Apostle Paul in that Roman dungeon as he wrote his last letter to Timothy?… Who followed Hudson Taylor and gave the China Inland Mission its remarkable vision and direction?… What was it Jim Elliot, the martyred missionary to the Aucas in Ecuador, once called the missionaries? Something like “a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody.” But don’t mistake anonymous for unnecessary. Otherwise, the whole body gets crippled… even paralysed… or, at best, terribly dizzy as the majority of the members… become diseased with self-pity and discouragement. Face it, friend, the head of the body calls the shots. It is His prerogative [exclusive right] to publicise some and hide others. Don’t ask me why He chooses whom He uses.’

If God has you destined to be a great behind-the-scenes encourager, rejoice! You’re among that elite group mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12: 24 TLB: ‘God has put the body together in such a way that extra honour and care are given to those parts that might otherwise seem less important.’ So be encouraged: you may be hidden from man’s view but you are in God’s clear sight, you might be anonymous, but you’re indispensable!

SoulFood: Amos 1:1–5:17, Luke 19:1–10, Ps 103:1–12, Pro 19:12–16
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©

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