Sarah York’s voice runs through my head several times a day, not in a creepy way, but in an inspirational, motivational way. “Use all of your resources,” she keeps telling me.
Sarah, also a pastor’s wife, is a treasured friend and was knitted to my heart when we met. Though we’ve only known each other for a few years, she’s one of those people you feel like you’ve known forever. I’ve heard her speak a few times and was very blessed. So, months ago when our women’s conference at Fitzpatrick Baptist was being planned for the end of summer, I recommended Sarah right away.
I love Sarah and knew it would be good. I had prayed for her every day for months. Shortly before the event, she was getting ready to text me her topic. I waited eagerly for the letters to appear on my screen. “I’ll be teaching from Matthew 25 on the parable of the talents,” she wrote. “Hmmmm,” I thought. “Parable of the talents?” Well, I was sure it would be great, even though I hadn’t had a women’s study on the talents in like…EVER.
The day of the conference arrived. I’m so glad Sarah listened to the Lord about what to share. It was so insightful! Her words are still running through my brain, motivating me to move. She taught from Matthew 25:14-30.
Just before Jesus went to the cross, His disciples asked Him about when He would return. He shared many important things with them, including the “Parable of the Talents.” In the story, Jesus told of a master who was going on a journey and divided money (talents) among his servants. (A talent was worth more than a thousand dollars.) Each servant was responsible for what the master gave them. Two of the servants chose wisely, doubling their investment, while the last servant did not. He dug a hole in the ground and buried his talent. The parable was teaching them to be faithful stewards of what God has given.
For application in today’s time, Sarah changed the word “talents” to “resources.” And did it ever apply.
“Jesus has generously given us all resources to be used for Him,” she began. “We don’t all have the same, but we all have something.”
We went on to list categories of resources we have. Stuff/material possessions. Aptitudes/abilities. Career/job. Hobbies/fun/passions. Life situations. Words (which are a gift) can be used for Him or for ourselves—unexpected or unasked-for situations or seasons.
She encouraged us to use all the things we have been given to make an impact for the Kingdom of God. “Nothing is too small to be used by the Lord,” she shared. And, “The investments we make here we will take with us.” (I took many notes.)
“Use all of your resources.” This is so basic, yet so exciting. God can especially use our words, both written and spoken, to encourage others. Do you have a cellphone? That can be a huge tool for Kingdom impact. Text or message those who need an uplifting word. Mail a card. Encourage an overwhelmed mom or dad. Bake a cake. In the New Testament, Lydia used her business influence, and Martha used her gift of hospitality to minister to others. You get the idea.
The Life Application Study Bible comments: “God gives us time, gifts, and other resources according to our abilities, and he expects us to invest them wisely until he returns. We are responsible to use well what God has given us. The issue is not how much we have, but how well we use what we have.”
Now, in the mornings, fueled by the Holy Spirit and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, I’m praying what Sarah suggested: “How can I use all of my resources to point people to Jesus?”