“What is my work? I cannot preach; I am no use at visiting the sick and poor; what can I do?”
Many years ago a dear old saint of God, who worked in the central meat market, was complaining of the lack of opportunities and experiences he had.
“Look at Brother—,” he said, “he is always having opportunities of serving the Lord. Only lately he has been used in bringing souls to a deeper knowledge of the truth. I never have that joy.”
The brother of whom he spoke came to him and said,
“You come in contact with many men during the day, market employees and customers. If they speak of the weather, do you speak of the goodness of God in giving it? If they are in trouble or distress, do you tell them of the comfort and love of God? If it is a bad day and they grumble, do you say to them, ‘Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?’ If you do, you will soon be in conversation which will enable you to tell them of the grace of God, and of His wonderful salvation. You will be surprised at the opportunities you will have, and of the readiness with which they will listen.”
“I never thought of that,” said the old brother. “I will try it.”
A week later he came with a face radiant with joy.
“It works! It works!” he said.
“What works?” he was asked. “Why, what Brother—said. Do you know, I am astonished at the number of Christians there are in the market, and the many efforts to spread the gospel. One after another I have spoken to, and it is wonderful the opportunities the Lord has given me.”
From that time, he went on taking the opportunities thus given him by the Lord who gave him many encouragements.
The following incident may prove how the Lord uses His servants if they are ready to speak for Him at all times.
In a railway office there were three clerks: one, a Christian, was seeking during an interval to show his friend the way of salvation. He felt greatly discouraged at the callous indifference he met with, thinking his effort a failure. He did not know the Spirit of God was working, and while his friend was not affected by the word spoken, the other clerk had heard every word, and his conscience was reached. He passed through deep exercise, and before long confessed the Lord, and was eternally saved.
When the young Christian learned of the goodness of God in saving his companion, they gave themselves together to the study of the Word. Then opportunities came which they took, and though a number of years have passed, they have continued to speak the Word in season and out of season, preaching publicly as well as telling individuals the story of His love. The result was not as this young Christian expected, but as the Lord intended, who knew the desire of His servant, and blessed His own Word in His own way.
Dear fellow-believer, do not be looking for some special, or great work. Do the things near at hand, taking the opportunities that are offered you.