Every day, in some form or fashion, the Holy Spirit helps me pray, “God use me as a vessel so that I may be in service to you and one another”. When I first said this prayer, years ago, I didn’t really know what I was asking for. I had an inkling in my heart that I wanted to be helpful to others. Specifically, a reflection of God’s love to the world.
Now I know I’m not perfect and like most people, grapple with my own insecurities, sin and fear. However, after years of praying for a servant’s heart, I can more readily see God working through me in my day-to-day life, despite my shortcomings.
Sometimes God’s presence is in the form of a kind word, a warm smile, an unexpected gift or a shared meal. Other times, it feels more “monumental”, budgeting to make a donation, setting aside time to volunteer or stepping out of my comfort zone to forge a new partnership.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully”. – Romans 12:6-8
God works through us in all aspects of our lives. For me, my career, volunteer “jobs”, marriage and family all allow God opportunities to “speak love” through my words, actions and deeds.
Speaking of words; anyone who knows me knows that I’m an extrovert that LOVES public speaking! As God has given me this gift, I also ask that God speak through me. That it will be God’s words of love that flow through me.
Yet, even in this asking and awareness, I want to stress a point that I often forget myself; despite the tendency to compartmentalize “God” to just one day a week or one form of service, God is with us every day and in all ways. In the different roles we play: wife, aunt, sister, leader, volunteer, dog mom, friend and stranger. God works through you and me.
So let my asking for a servant’s heart serve as encouragement to you; “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you”. – Matthew 7:7
I pray that God will encourage you to use your time and talents to further his kingdom and that you will be hungry to reflect his love to a world in need.
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Trey Sherwood is the Director of the Laramie Main Street Alliance, a non-profit organization focused on economic development, historic preservation and community building. Sherwood is a volunteer dog trainer at Rockin’ E and she serves on the committee for the Laramie Mural Project, Laramie’s Public Art Plan, TELC’s Campus Ministry and is a board member of the Wyoming State Historical Society and a graduate of Leadership Wyoming.
