Being in the RIGHT Place!

I've learned some important lessons this week. The most important is, as the title suggests, being in the place where God wants you to be.

And as a Christian, we can be involved in Christian work, but really not doing what GOD wants. If we analyse our motives for being there, it is often to please someone else ... because someone expects us to be there ... because we feel we're needed there. (Besides, what would they do without us.)

But, as I've discovered this week, if we are in a place where God hasn't placed us, we will operate in the flesh, and strive and act not too graciously. This can all apply online as well as offline. And it's online where I've learned these lessons.

Practically, one thing I know is not for me, and that is CHATS!! I just don't do that well, and I become frustrated when someone pops up to chat when I'm in the middle of something. Is there any polite way to say "Piss off!! ... leave me alone!!"? ... 'cause that is my inside reaction. But, wanting to be nice and not offend, I do answer, pretending to be pleased to talk.

Another place I will limit my time to is Facebook. Again, I have only been on there to please people. It is handy to keep in touch with family and friends and share the latest photos, etc. But apart from that, I've discovered that Facebook is not for me.

I know the Lord has an agenda for me online, which includes blogging, emailing, some group discussions, photography and design, networking, online business, setting up my own website, and helping small businesses get online. These are the ways I believe the Lord wants me to share His love and "go into all the world and preach the gospel."

So, my advice to other Christians called to minister online...

FIND YOUR NICHE!!

• Discover where God wants you. So much time can be wasted online by being in the wrong place.
• Don't stay where you're not comfortable, unless you really know that's where God wants you. (If that's the case, ask God for the grace to hang-in there.)
• And do stay on those places where you are comfortable, unless that place has become a compulsion to you (your addicted to it!!). (If that's the case, you need to deal with the addictive behaviour.)
• Don't support groups just to please someone else. Ask the Lord if He really wants you there.
• And quit striving to make things happen, even if we feel it is for God. God is the One who is building His church, even online. He knows how to make it happen. He will bring the right people across our paths.
• DO RELAX and ask what are the things God has placed on YOUR heart? What area of ministry do you feel drawn to? Don't listen to others, but to what God is telling you to do.
• Spend time alone with God offline to hear what HE wants of you. He will give you a peace about it.
• When you know, then ask Him for the courage and the motivation to get going.
• Don't let anything or anyone rob you of your freedom in Christ.
• And be authentic!!!

So may you be fruitful and multiply online and off!!

Be blessed and be a blessing!!!

And remember these words of Jesus:
"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:27-30, NLT)