One day, a few years ago, I was rushing along as usual in my Volvo, when the engine cut out and the car stopped. It was pouring with rain and I didn’t have a coat. I saw a red telephone box some way ahead. There was nothing for it but to grab my handbag, lock the car and run to the phone box.
By the time I arrived, I was absolutely soaked. I looked in my purse for a 20p to make a call and found, to my great dismay that I only had a £5 note.
What could I do now? As complete frustration overwhelmed me, the Lord spoke, “You have a £5 note and you need a 20p piece”. “Yes, Lord, I know that!” And the Lord said, “Sometimes, I need you to be a 20p piece because there are times when a £5 note is useless. Are you willing to be a 20p piece when I need you to be, or are you always wanting to be a £5 note?”
I wasn’t expecting the Lord to speak to me and I was profoundly affected. As I considered this challenge, I started to cry (as if I wasn’t wet enough already!) and said, “O Lord, I humble myself afresh before you and agree. I’m willing to be a 20p piece for You whenever You need me to be one.”
Through my tears, I looked down to get a tissue from my bag and my eyes caught sight of a 20p piece in the returned coin slot. How remarkable of God! I was able to use it to make the call and get the help I needed.
I’ve never forgotten that moment. He’s the Master, I’m the servant. It’s so important that I’m willing to serve and learn to be servant-hearted as Jesus Himself was.
Prayer: Lord, teach me today to be wholly available to You, to serve in whatever way You choose. I’m willing to be a 20p piece whenever You need me to be one. Help me to learn to be servant hearted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The greatest among you will be your servant.
Matthew 23:11, NIV
Arise and Fight - Teaching by Jill Southern from Arise!" Conference
NETS School
Jill Southern-Jones was a successful business woman before becoming the Director of Ellel Pierrepont, home of the Luke Nine Eleven Training Programme (NETS). People from all over the world come for 5 – 10 months and learn to teach and minister on NETS. Jill’s book on Sex: God’s Truth is an essential guide to the restoration of Godly order in sexual relationships.