Creating Something Out of Nothing

(Guest Writer - Jonathan Moss, NC)

Creating something out of nothing.

You have heard this phrase used many times and with many connotations. It is used to describe what God did on in those glorious moments when he animated the inanimate and made all the things we see today out of nothing. Nada, zip, zilch. Others apply this statement to a certain time in their life where they accomplished the impossible.

Creating something out of nothing.

I am in this phase of my life. I am enjoying summer as much as the next college student. I have a full-time job where I am able to work temporarily, but it's different. I feel called to ministry, and it's not the church. I work for the rich. I make money for myself.

I was driving the other day, and it hit me. I hate being in a position of greed. I hate being in a situation with no opportunities to do 'ministry.' I mean, what real effect am I having for Him? None that I could count. But I was wrong.

Often times, I feel as though I must be in an environment that is furthering my education, fitting into my vocational "niche," serving God in ministry. But I discovered that Paul, although he was a full-time missionary, provided for himself by making tents. Indeed, Peter and many other disciples, provided for themselves as fisherman while ministering. Jesus used all these men to do amazing things while they were still "gainfully employed."

Why God didn't assign me to a certain church or a certain camp this summer? I don't know, but I can't dwell on the fact that I don't understand why God puts me in certain situations. Instead, I must strive to apply myself to God's will day by day, and be used by Him. While I am casting my fishing nets and assembling my tents, I am still on mission for Him.

You see, God is in the "something from nothing" business. Even my attempts at godliness and righteousness are cut short by sin. If I were left to fight it on my own, I would lose the war against sin. It would be like me bringing a knife to a gunfight. But God, in his awesome providence, has created something out of a whole bunch of nothing.

Creating something out of nothing.

This seems impossible, and it is...except with God. Be reminded that although God allows us to be in less-than-ideal situations for what can seem to be unending lengths of time, we can still be used in that moment for His glory. God is creating something (godliness) out of nothing (you).