If I were physically capable and could choose any “job” in the Christian Kingdom, I would choose to serve in an orphanage in a far-off land. I’ve heard of places where babies cry in lines of bassinets, while the overworked staff rushed from child to child, trying to calm everyone and make sure no-one becomes too sick. I would want to get the supplies they need, to help people who need me. But God did not plan that for my life. First of all, He gave me a body that is not capable of much physical activity; and secondly, I am here – not in a far-off country.

God’s Plan, Not Ours

Why God would put a passion in someone that they can’t physically nor culturally fulfill? The Lord lets us know that “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). Do you also “feel called” to serve in a certain field, but find God leading you down a different path?

The Body of Christ

The Apostle Paul helps us understand some of God’s ideas. The Lord built us certain ways for His reasons, and He knows how we fit into the Body of Christ, even if that is beyond our understanding: “In His grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. If God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with faith. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly” (Romans12:6-8) Maybe God puts various passions in Christians so we can be better at the gifts He’s actually given us.

Jesus’s Example

We want to follow the example of Jesus, and Jesus (although He was part of God) came “not to be served, but to serve others”(Mark 10:45). So we should be servants for the Lord, as well. Even though I can’t help babies who need love, I do what I can to serve others. At church, I help with music and organization. At home, I try to make a godly, hospitable environment for guests, and I care for my husband and daughter. For work in ministry, I get to write encouraging messages (like these) and support my husband’s work. Maybe God gave me a passion to serve so I can better use my gift to encourage others to reach out.

What Can You Do?

So I do encourage you to serve! What is near you that needs to be done? How can you share God’s love with those around you? Jesus sent His Disciples, saying, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons” (Matthew 10:8). We have the opportunity to serve joyfully; as St. Paul encourages us, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people”(Colossians 3:23) . See if your passions match your gifts and go “preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are servants for Jesus sake” ( 2 Corinthians 4:5)