“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin” — they simply are! Think of the sea, the air, the sun, the stars, and the moon–all of these simply are as well–yet what a ministry and service they render on our behalf! So often we impair God’s designed influence, which He desires to exhibit through us, because of our own conscious efforts to be consistent and useful . . .
If you want to be of use to God, maintain the proper relationship with Jesus Christ by staying focused on Him, and He will make use of you every minute you live–yet you will be unaware, on the conscious level of your life, that you are being used of Him.
~Oswald Chambers, “Living Simply–Yet Focused,” May 18, My Utmost for His Highest, (Updated Edition)
In the stillness,
Sandy
Welcome to the Still Saturday Community where we pause after a busy week, move in quiet pilgrimage, maybe linger a while in some still place, and soak in the beauty of images and reflect on the depth of sparse words. We’d love for you to join us. Grab the button and link up below. We all love to hear if something especially speaks to your heart, but please don’t feel pressured to comment. Simply take some time to be still together, to gaze long and drink deep.
Beautiful photos, Sandy, and timely reminder. So often I have benefitted by the wisdom of Chambers. This really struck me, because I recall once at a secular writers conference not really doing anything but being friendly, and just expressing my love for Jesus naturally when a particular topic came up. Later, a woman, an unbeliever, told me how profoundly influenced she had been. I was shocked. If only we could be self-forgetting and just let Jesus flow and shine through us like sunshine on a waterfall, huh? My prayer is that I do not let my sin and selfishness muddy the water!
Love you dear one.
Lynn
Amazing photos and beautiful quote from Oswald Chambers.
Have a blessed weekend, Sandy!
Lovely fall colors, Sandy! Love these words from Chambers. It’s a great paradox, isn’t it? I so want to be used by Him, and yet we most often are unaware when He is using us. It is to be a continual striving, a working out of our salvation. Trusting Him and being obedient to His word and His call on our lives, even when we cannot really see where we are going. Once in awhile, by His grace, He’ll give us a glimpse, as Lynn experienced, and oh, what JOY! Blessings on your weekend!
That quote in your picture is so powerful. Love the photo and as always, love the rest I find here. Thanks so much, Sandra.
When strivings cease. I need to remember that. Bless you, Sandy, for this perspective, and this community you’ve provided to us. XOXO
I love all of this, Sandra. The photos are gorgeous and the verse and Oswald Chambers…and May 18th is my birthday. So this post of yours is just perfectly perfect for me. Have a beautiful weekend, my dear friend. xox
That quote was eye opening to me!