Adjustments

In last night's Life Group, we discussed Unit 8 of Experiencing God. One of the primary themes of this unit is the adjustments that are required based on God's call in our lives. After posing the questions "What adjustments have you made in the recent past?" and "What adjustments do you foresee making in the near future?", I asked, "What adjustment would be difficult for you to make?" Prior to the final question, we were discussing things like employment, ministry and being called to the mission field. Then I challenged our perception of God by asking everyone to consider what it would look like if their expectations were reversed.

"What would it look like if God didn't call you into _______ ministry?"
"What would it look like if God didn't call you into the mission field?"
"What would it look like if God wants you to stay in that job?"

I couldn't help but think of the story found in the book of Philemon. Onesimus, a slave, stole from his owner Philemon and escaped. Once free, Onesimus met Paul and was led into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Then Onesimus' life turned upside down. God's call on his life meant an adjustment of epic proportion: he had to return to the shackles and chains of slavery!

What if your adjustment meant staying in a marriage and not leaving your spouse?
What if your adjustment meant staying in a job that you didn't want to do any longer?
What if your adjustment meant something you never expected or desired?

Paul wrote to Philemon, "Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me." (verse 11) When we submit ourselves fully and completely to God's plan, we become useful to God and to those around us.