At breakfast time, we usually spend a few minutes reading. Right now we are reading from a book on Christian history. There is a reading for each day, detailing specific events that happened at some point on that date. What wonderful bits and pieces of Christian history! Many times the accounts are so moving that we shed tears. At other times the stories of courage in the face of persecution or those of perseverance through debilitating illnesses challenge us about our own loyalty to the Lord.Recently we read the story of Charlotte Elliot (1789-1871). As a result of a serious illness, she suffered pain and depression throughout her life. She often felt that because of her poor health she could offer little in service to the Lord. She longed for some ministry. At one point she anonymously wrote a poem, expressing how she was feeling. A woman found a copy and thought it was so beautiful that she published it in a pamphlet and distributed it to others. Little did Elliot know that her poem had been published and that it was being used to minister all over England. Ultimately, her pastor obtained a copy of the poem and thinking it would be an encouragement, he gave it to Charlotte. Imagine her amazement at reading a published copy of "Just As I Am" -- her own work. Charlotte had a place of ministry and a calling, but she had not been aware of it.
"Just as I am without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me,
and that Thou bidst me come to Thee, Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot.
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, though tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt.
Fightings and fears within, without, Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind. Sight, riches, healing of the mind.
Yea, all I need in Thee to find, Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve,
Because thy promise I believe, Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come.
Just as I am, Thy love unknown, has broken every barrier down,
Now to be Thine, yea Thine alone, Oh Lamb of God, I come, I come."
Charlotte Elliot's brother was a pastor. He said that Charlotte's hymn was more effective in people's lives than all the sermons he ever preached. What a blessing to know that God is still using that hymn to His glory!
You and I may not ever write a poem or a hymn. We may never travel worldwide to share the Good News. But I know this for sure: God has given us gifts and He has called us to be used of Him in this life. We, too, have a place of ministry!
This is my prayer: I want to be the person He has created me to be. That is my "place"!
John 15: 4-5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
