Yesterday, I had the awesome privilege of being on a live broadcast with my friend and brother, Pastor Isaac Carpenter. We discussed my latest book, “A Charge To Keep,” in hopes of inspiring other authors and individuals to use the gifts God has given them to change the world around them. It was an encouraging discussion that sparked the writing of this blog.
God did not just call you or me here to sit on a log, to wait for something to fall out of the sky. I know we are accustomed to the Christian culture of “name it and claim it.” However, The Bible reminds us that faith without works is dead [James 2:14, 26]. God has given you the faith to believe in that dream; now, it is time to get to work. God has given you the gift to write, sing, build, or speak, but now it is time to get to work. Get the pen in your hand and begin to write that book. Purchase the materials for that new home. Apply to that college/university. Enroll in that prestigious communications organization. Pull out that recipe book. How are you building toward your desires?
What gift/gifts are you sitting on that the world needs? Who is still sunken in depression and anxiety because you refuse to write that book on how God brought you out? Who is still battling low self-esteem because you have not written that song about how much Jesus loves us? People may never come to a church building or attend our conferences, but when they go on platforms like Amazon, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and such mediums, they can be reached for the glory of God. Reaching the lost has never been as easy as it is today. The accessibility to free resources is a blessing we can utilize.
In writing my book, I battled with the lies of the enemy that said I was too young. I never envisioned being a 23-year-old author. It seemed like something I would accomplish down the road. However, I was reminded that if God could have used little David, He could have used me. If God could have used young Josiah, He could have used me. If God could have used baby Samuel, God could have used me. I also struggled with people’s opinions. Truthfully, people’s words can get to you, but I decided to put The Bible between me and the people and rest in who God said I was in Him. I realized people’s opinions of me did not matter because I was doing this for an audience of ONE. I am not here to be anybody’s friend or to be liked by men. I am concerned about winning souls for the Lord. I had to shut down the enemy’s lies and focus on my God-given assignment.
What excuses are you holding on to today? Whatever they are, it is time to let them go. No money? Fine. We have so many free avenues to reach the lost. Use what is in your hands. It is not about the quantity, but the quality. If it is a five-page book, publish it. If it is a one-bedroom home, build it. If it is a two-minute song, produce it. We keep asking God for a financial breakthrough and streams of income, but He has already given us the power to get wealth [Deuteronomy 8:18].
In 2 Kings 4, it talks about a widow woman who was overwhelmed by debt. The Prophet Elisha did not join in with her pity party. He simply asks, “What is in your house?” What she needed to be debt-free was in her house. It was in her hands. When God told Moses to speak to Pharoah, Moses was afraid, but God asked him, “What is in your hand?” What Moses needed was in his hands. What is in your hands today? What poundcake recipe is in your hands that can be a blessing to the world? You do not need another prophecy. You simply need to use what is already in your hands. God has already given us the seeds.
Please do not be mistaken; we are not doing this with money as the goal, but The Bible says money answers all things [Ecclesiastes 10:19]. We need money to live. The gifts that God has given us can be a way to create wealth with Kingdom advancement in mind. God’s wealth and blessings are not for us to be selfish and advance ourselves. Today, we have a problem where the “love of money” [an unhealthy desire to be rich] has been the driving force for many “Christians.” So, they come up with all kinds of gimmicks to get it. That is why you have to pay for prophecy and healing nowadays. It is all foolishness and an abuse of the giftings God has given to His people.
The ultimate goal is to please Jesus and for others to come to know Him as we do. What if God tells you only one person will ever buy a copy of your book, can you still publish it? What if God tells you only one person will ever listen to your song, can you still produce it? Motives matter. When we seek God and do His will, everything else will be added.
Above all, we must be reminded that time is short. Jesus is coming soon. We must work while it is day. Whatever God has given us to do or has placed on our hearts, we must do it quickly. Whether it is a book, song, pastry, public speaking, etc., it can be used for the glory of God. There is no time to delay. Lost souls are dying every day. What are you waiting on? It’s in your hands!
Raphael R. Roker 