Occupying

Jesus told a parable of a man who had 10 servants and gave them each 10 minas (money) and told them, “Occupy until I come.” When he came back, he asked for an accounting. One man gained double, another 1 1/2, but another hid his money. Reward (or rebuke) was given according to their profit (or lack thereof). 

Jesus was making the point to His disciples that they were to occupy, to carry on kingdom business, until He returns.  

What has God given to you? What has He put in your hands? Money, talent, carpentry skills, accounting, nursing, car repair, parenting, preaching? Do that for the kingdom. The important thing is to KNOW what’s in your hand and expand it for God. 

So many times we hide our gifts because we’re afraid to use them, afraid we’ll be critiqued, or afraid we’re doing it wrong. And sometimes we wait for the BIG thing because we think our gifts are too unimportant.  

For two years, I’ve felt sidelined in kingdom work. All I knew to do was what was right in front of me. So I’ve been a friend to a woman walking through something very hard. And I’ve written prayer journals. I’ve sent one to everyone in my family and to friends—and still writing. These may seem like a small thing—but they’re filled with power! I’ve asked God to unleash His power through each prayer I prayed. 

Don’t wait on the big thing! What if each small thing IS the big thing? Don’t stand in front of Jesus and say, “I hid it. I was afraid.” Do the thing right in front of you! Give God more than He gave you.