Uniquely Designed

Psalm 33: 1-3 “Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.”

The lyrics were familiar and soothing, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so...” Many people, Christians especially, have this song packed away in the recesses of their memory from past children's church services. It's not quite so familiar to me, having heard it for the first time as an adult, but I don't think I've ever heard it sung with such sweetness and beauty as when our new friend Dan led us in worship this morning. As often occurs here at YWAM Discovery Bay, missionaries from various parts of the world stop by for a visit and share their lives and stories with the staff and students. Dan is from a large city in India and has been getting ready to start a Bible study training course with YWAM in Kona, HI. Having completed his Discipleship Training School and School of Worship also in Kona, Dan is growing both in his relationship with Jesus and his ministry skills as was clearly apparent in his music.

In Eph. 1:23 Paul explains that Jesus, “fills all in all.” That is to say, He is working in individual Christians to develop them into uniquely gifted instruments that He can use to reach those who have not come into a relationship with Him and to serve His people, the Church. Each person is valued by God beyond what we can comprehend (check out Eph. 1-3!) and has gifted them with abilities and strengths that are varied and specific to match their personal qualities. Like the mechanisms in a computer each is specifically designed and made to operate in such a way that when put in its correct place produces a functioning productive tool. Likewise, each person is different. Different in gender, in size and shape, with strengths and weakness, possibly in language and nationality, etc. but all are made by God's design and purpose.

The beginning of another Discipleship Training School and Music Ministry Development Seminar is nearly here and we are getting excited to meet the students. It is a time of slight anxiety as the staff is working hard to get everything just right for the schools to go well but also for meeting close to twenty new strangers or should I call them pre-friends! What I always look forward to the most is getting to know them individually and seeing how God has designed them and what purposes He has in store at this season in their lives. Like agates scavenged from the beach, each one will undergo weekly challenges from the instructors and staff which will work to round off those sharp edges. The Word of God will wash and cleanse them and the anointing of the Spirit will work to make each one shine with beauty as they radiate the Lord's love and presence. It is our privilege to be apart of the process and we look forward to seeing the results of His handiwork.