Not for everyone

 One of the things I find interesting is how things in God's kingdom is how God uses our gifts differently.  Just as each of us are differently able to do certain things in life, so it goes for ministry.  Not every ministry opportunity is right for every person.  I had a hard time wrapping my head around that at first.  In my mind, if one wanted to serve one's God, shouldn't they be able to do anything they wanted?

The short answer to that is no.  And the longer version of that answer adds to the No, the idea that thinking like that isn't even Biblical.  It's not up to us to decide what we will do for God.  It's God who calls us to join Him in areas He calls us to work in.  The Bible tells us that long before the foundation of the world, He prepared the good works for us in advance.  

I understand this principle though.  Sometimes, our gifts don't match up with opportunities to serve.  Other times, those opportunities might just be for a season and we can try to over-stay the season.  Still other times, stubbornness gets in the way and people decide what they will do for the Lord, consequences be hanged.  Projects become pet projects. 

ON the other hand, when believers are living a Spirit-led life, they're willing to take no for an answer.  A while back I was presented with an opportunity to join a small Bible study group.  I would have liked to be a part of it but through circumstances, other people, and some good old-fashioned conviction by the Holy Spirit, I soon realized that I would not be attending.  I didn't understand the no at first, but a while later, the group would splinter, fall into dis-harmony, and not be meeting.  I didn't know this up front.  God did though.  I know enough to fear God and when He says no, then the answer is no.

God's no comes with disappointment often times.  It's hard not to be able what you want to do.  It was hard for King David not to build God a house.  God told him no, but his son would have that task to complete.  David planned for it, laid up materials for it, but not one nail was driven at his behest while he drew a breath.  

Not every opportunity is for us.  Sometimes God  helps us figure that out on our own.  Other times, He says no.  In any case, when we realize God is saying no to an opportunity for us, we have to be obedient to that no. God blesses obedience.  He knows and understands our disappointments when He does say no, but as a good Father, He sometimes does.