Using our gifts to further God's kingdom

We are called to use the unique gifts that God gave us to further His kingdom -- whether it's writing about God, playing bass on the church worship team, or constructing powerful radio transmitters. I guess that last gift was pretty specific to John Lin, a civil engineer who, along with his wife Florence, helped the Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) broadcast God's Word to China.

According to France's Journal Chretien, even John Lin put up resistance to God's calling:

At the same time, they also met Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) workers on the island constructing a powerful radio transmitter to reach China.

As they got acquainted with their new friends, they learned the FEBC workers had been praying to find a civil engineer. John and Florence started praying as well, until one day God spoke to John’s heart.

'Why are you praying ?' John felt the Lord say. 'Aren’t you a civil engineer ?'

Like Jonah and countless other leaders called by God, John had many excuses to avoid the Lord’s prompting. First, he had the mistaken notion that only Caucasians could be missionaries. He also knew he would face opposition from his family, and he was deterred by the prospect of raising financial support.

As he and Florence began to pray, God answered every one of his objections. And Bob Pierce, the founder of World Vision, heard about the talented young civil engineer and his wife and arranged for their financial support.

God is persistent. He will find a way for us to continue His path and His will, and we have a responsibility to use our gifts to further His kingdom.