Time to Take Charge

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 14, 2018

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:26-27

There are times we need to trust God and wait, other times we need to trust God and take charge. Not in a frustrating, demanding manner, but with a spirit of humility and seeking to be a solution to a persistent problem. My friend Bryant was a refreshing volunteer who was a solution looking for a problem to solve. One particular church event required a complex table configuration to accommodate the anticipated crowd. Half of us debated one style and the other half a different look. While the group overthought what to do, Bryant quietly and single handedly arranged the tables and chairs in a design requiring minor adjustments. He took charge and became a solution!

Barnabas took a risk. He became the first fan of a man who was the overseer of the persecution and death of Christians—Saul the Pharisee, who would become Paul the Apostle. The church leaders in Jerusalem were afraid of Saul and would not accept him without a credible advocate. So, Barnabas took charge and took Saul under his care and influence—his reputation was on the line. Barnabas believed in who Saul could become, by God’s grace. So Saul became Paul, who became a catalyst of the grace of God. One person took charge and the Lord became large!  

“‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities” (Luke 19:17).

When you take charge of what you have, you can be trusted with more of what the Lord wants to give you. Are you responsible with the relationships and resources God has given you? Maybe at home you need to take charge and lovingly lead—quit blaming and embrace your God given role. At work, make it your job to take charge and quietly serve as a solution to the problems that surround you and your team. Take charge—not with a demanding demeanor, but in a spirit of service with a humble attitude. Take action so another can be successful, with your support.

One warning—before you take charge—like Barnabas, first be filled by the Spirit and be empowered by God’s grace. When you invite Christ to take charge of your life, you are qualified to take charge in life. Stay surrendered to your Savior Jesus and He will continually charge you with new assignments for His Kingdom purposes. The more you engage your heart with the Lord’s heart, the more you have capacity to engage with those around you who are hungry for an authentic voice to hear and follow. Take charge, so another can reach her God given potential, then Jesus can be the hero. Be disadvantaged, so someone else can gain an advantage in her life.

“When he [Barnabas] arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:23-24).

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