Untitled - St.Francis Magazine

St Francis Magazine Vol 8, No 2 | April 2012 We have all heard it said that God is more interested in working in us than through us. I am not so sure that is entirely accurate; I think both go very much hand in hand. His work in us and His work through us are all part of the one package; neither one is more important than the other; both are essential to valuable and effective service. God fills us and teaches us and guides us and corrects us in order that we might reflect His character as we engage with society at large. The Good Shepherd doesn’t work in us just to make us fit for eternity; neither does He shape us in order that we should be displayed like a work of art in a gallery. No, He works in us so that when we are sent out into the world He loves, we can be most effective in witnessing to His goodness and greatness. God works in us and through us, to accomplish His glorious purposes. One of the key attributes that I look for in recruiting people for mission is a teachable spirit. Candidates that recognize they are a work in progress are more likely to enter into a new context and allow themselves to be shaped by the Spirit of God. 2. Confidence in the Shepherd’s Voice This process of shaping and nurturing and growing for effective, lengthy service is so evident in the life of Elijah. We are introduced to this man when he is already in placement. He is far from perfect, yet even at this stage he is given a strategic role to play in God’s cause. Elijah was to be the deliverer of terribly bad news to the palace of a wicked leader. 6 The thing that surprises me here is that there is no sense of hesitation on Elijah’s behalf, no sense of backing down, no sense of looking for an easier posting. I think this is due to the fact that 6 1 Kings 17:1126