Vessel

What is a Vessel?

Merriam-Webster defines it as a ‘container for holding something’. The second most common definition of vessel was ‘a person into whom some quality (such as grace) is infused.’

I remember as a teenager listening to  choir ministration at church on being a vessel for God. I will never forget that song because the lyrics really resonated with me even at a young age. Apart from the great musical mastery, the fact that it was sung in English and Yoruba made even more of an impact on me and my view of my service to God.

I believe the chorus went something like this;

I want to be an instrument of praise O Lord, in your hands

I want to be an instrument of praise.

E mi fe je, ohun elo iyin ni Oluwa, ni owo re

E mi fe je, ohun elo iyin ni.

One of the things I feel grows in one’s heart is the desire to serve God. That desire to fulfill purpose. That is our heart’s deepest heart cry and it is what truly gives one satisfaction in life. Once we find Jesus and start chasing after him, hoping to know more of him and become like him, only then can our soul be truly satisfied. Especially when we taste and see that the Lord is good. When  working in our purpose, it does something to our soul, such that even in the midst of meeting deadlines and handling our business, we find ourselves at rest. That is the same with dwelling in the presence of God. It gives a certain peace that cannot really be described.

So I recently listened to a sermon by Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun on YouTube titled ‘Vessel’ and it really inspired me. She spoke about the fact that God is ALWAYS looking for people to use because his people need to be encouraged and fed. What qualifies us is our availability. How available are we really? I mean when I really think about this it blows my mind. Especially living in a society where we are so huge and adamant about what skills and qualifications we have. Yet, God as the creator of the universe and galaxies says in order to work in my organization, the most important ability you require is availability. Man, that is incredibly humbling.

For me this requires understanding that it is not about the individual. All I have to do is make myself available and have faith that;

‘He that began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.’

Philippians 1:6

As someone with a lot of time on my hands now, I realize that because one isn’t doing something does not necessarily mean one is available. As we wait patiently on God for him to ‘find’ or ‘call’ us we can always find something to do. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop as they say. So, how are we pursuing purpose? I do not want to give a false perception that purpose is a clear and well defined path. Rather, what I am discovering is that our discovery and manifestation of our purpose goes hand in hand with our faith. We showcase our faith through our actions by trying out our hands at whatever we find to do.

We cannot claim to have faith in God if we haven’t gone out of our comfort zone and asked outrageous things from him. What could be more outrageous than entrusting our whole entire life and existence into his hands?

‘In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.’

James 2:17

How do we doing this though practically?

Some questions to consider may be;

• What gives you joy?
• What do you seem passionate about?

Even if you do not know, do not be afraid to try things out!

‘Whatever your hands find to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.’

Ecclesiastes 9:10

We should not be afraid to get involved either on campus with student groups, within our local church or our community. It isn’t necessarily about one’s ability but more about your availability. Availability is to do with us placing ourselves in positions where we can thrive and develop new skills. Things we may do now may not seem to make sense or have any connections but

‘God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.’ (Romans 8:28)

So, whether it is working out or not, God is working it out for our good. Also remember that God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.

So may we all continue to be intentional and diligent in making ourselves available to be used by God in Jesus name. Amen.

(Listen: Travis Greene ‘Instrument’)

#IntentionalGrowth

Mo 🙂 x

A young woman on a mission to discovering purpose, to inspire growth and contribute to the Kingdom mandate. On the blog we are all about learning and growing and this is done through writing on topics from Faith, Education, Music, Food, Travel and so much more… (Romans 12:2)
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