I just returned from a four day working vacation. I say vacation, because it was fun work. I spent four days in Louisville, KY at the annual Archery Trade Association show. As usual, it was an awesome trip. I got to spend time with a couple buddies, meet some notable figures in the industry, see all the latest and greatest in the world of archery, learn quite a few new things and make some great connections. All around, it was a worthwhile adventure.
God was working too. This comes as no surprise to me, as I’m sure it doesn’t for you either. As I draw deeper in my relationship and am more sensitive to the work that God does around us every single day, my wonderment at the work of His hand continues to amplify.
The first experience I would like to share with you is one of speaking truth. Speaking for myself, it typically comes with little reservation and the closer to the Lord I get, the more prepared I am to recognize and capitalize on the opportunities He places in my path. On the night before the show started God gave me such an opportunity. One of my closest friends on this earth began asking questions about salvation, heaven and hell. Seems simple, but with this particular friend, conversations like these are generally fairly blunt and fairly heated. I wanted to avoid the conflict, but after quickly praying God armed me with truth, that try as he may to dispute, God followed up with solid rebuttal after rebuttal. It took a while but, God’s truth finally began to soak in. My friend’s wheels are turning with the truth God wanted shared and his heart is softened. If only a little, still a tremendous victory for the Lord.
The second experience I would like to share is an open profession, in public that I was witness to. This happened on the 2nd morning of the show. Let me set the stage. We are in the middle of an enormous expo center, filled with thousands of people and vendors. I’m standing at a booth checking out product. David Blanton, a noted TV personality in the industry, is standing a few feet away engaged in a conversation with another gentlemen. I wasn’t eaves dropping, I promise, just couldn’t help but over hear. David was talking about his prayer life and routine. He was sharing a story about the conversation he had with a perfect stranger at breakfast. The story was how in just taking the time to engage this other man, the Lord used the opportunity to witness to a perfect stranger. He shared with him some of his prayers for the day, including confession of areas he falls short in and how he gives them to God to help him work through them. It reminded me of James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. (NKJV) Amidst all that was going on around him, David’s priority was on the Lord, prayer and confession and he was confiding in and sharing with others. Priority number one, God!
My third experience came from reflection during my 10 hr drive back tonight. I thought about all I got to see and experience. From a business standpoint, this show is very important for me. In that regard it was very successful. God has blessed me with opportunity to work at something I truly enjoy. I thought about that and how He doesn’t have to, but He does. He loves me and wants me to be blessed and joyful. I was humbled by that realization, grateful. These thoughts lead me down a trail of reflection and introspection. Am I using this blessing to Glorify Him? As I thought about the work I saw Him doing through others, I wondered if I am doing the work He expects of me? This brought to mind Colossians 3:23,24 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (NKJV) Today, ask yourself the question, do I work as if the Lord is my boss? Is what I’m doing, to the best of my ability? Am I making the Boss happy?
Every day we should start and continue in prayer. Those prayers should include opportunities to speak Truth. Those prayers should include the strength and desire to glorify God in the work that we do. The opportunity to speak truth is a blessing! The work we do, the occupation we have is a blessings! God is our employer. How does He want us to perform?
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy!
Scott Pace
