The Common Good - Canada Coincidence??

Coincidence? I think not. 
There is no such thing in a world where the Lord reigns sovereign (ohp... there's that word again!). 

I'm continuing my study in Nehemiah**. I'm really pacing myself so as not to rush through anything - soaking in the lessons, epiphanies, and revelations in their ordained time. 

The current lesson speaks to how the talents of many were needed to rebuild the Jerusalem wall. It doesn't escape our attention on a daily basis that we are surrounded by people who hold a multitude of gifts. And those gifts likely differ from ours. 

Let's review this scripture of focus in this lesson: 
I Corinthians 12:4-7 
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.  
[emphasis mine]

I thought this scripture was pretty amazing, in and of itself. And then we had our first meeting Sunday night with the group headed to Vancouver. To see how the Lord brought all the right people together to fill the needs was crazy awesome. 

- We are having a Texas BBQ for international students - BAM! Someone is anxious to (and knows how to) cook BBQ meat and instantly volunteered (praise the Lord cuz I can't)
- We are having a sports camp - BAM! We have several soccer lovers and actually KNOWS about the game (praise the Lord cuz I don't have a clue)
- The church we are partnering with has asked for some training on children's/youth ministries - BAM! We have some people going who teach in the youth department and one of our ministers going. (praise the Lord, cuz - no way, no how - is that my department)
- We are having an Art Camp - BAM! My bug loves allll things art and is so anxious to help pitch in and has even given a couple of ideas. And who doesn't love the idea of doing at least a couple of those pinned Pinterest ideas????
- The church has requested training on the worship ministry - annnnnd BAM. Here is where Jeff and I come in to the picture. Being as our entire relationship started in the worship ministry, it is the ministry the Lord called us to serve in together, and we have been under the influence of some of the most incredible worship leaders - this is where we felt called to lead for the trip. (among various other ways to plug in)

Do you see it? 
Do you see how we all have different gifts, but utilizing them for the same Spirit that gave them? 
Do you see how we all have different ways to serve, but we are doing so for the same Lord?
Do you see the different kinds of work that will be happening, but the same God will make it all work together? 
Do you see the common good for the Kingdom? 

I hope you see it, because if you miss how He is piecing it all together in the beginning, then I fear you won't be ready to see how He will work when we get there. 

The same concept is true in whatever endeavor is done for the Lord. The people who rebuilt the Jerusalem wall weren't carpenters and masonry people. No - they were goldsmiths, perfumers, and priests. Building walls was not these peoples day job. But they took their place on the wall. They saw the need and took their place. That's just incredible to me. 

Maybe you can't physically go to the wall. Maybe you are the one making food back home for the workers. But don't you want to be a part of something amazing? Something the Lord has clearly ordained? What is your talent or "talent"? How will you serve? What will you witness being done for the common good of the Kingdom? 

Look alive people... there are no coincidences!!! 

Until next time... 

**For any locals interested - I will be facilitating this bible study at NRHBC in the fall. Be on the lookout for details. 

Would you like to be a part of "building the wall"? 
We are still praying for God's provision for our Vancouver trip. If you'd like to donate via paypal please do so to bohanons@gmail.com. Or donate in whatever method is convenient for you. We have
been abundantly blessed with donations and extra work to help cover expenses!! The Lord is faithful!!