The Empty Room

And now sayth the Lord that formed me in the womb to be His servant. Isaiah 49:5

I have a room in my house that has been empty way too long. It is my dining room. This room was used for fellowship, out reach, witnessing and hospitality. Before my divorce my house was the house that held all the neighborhood gatherings. My kitchen is set up so well for it. The kitchen rail holds place servings for 14 no less.

We held a Christmas party for all to come. The baby showers were here. The summer pig roast was organized by yours truly. When a mother was sick and unable to cook I pulled out my old chefs hat and went to town. When the neighbors needed a break from their young kids my wife and I would baby sit.

We held a pampering party for the wives. We had 3 mousse's, a manicurist, a pedicurist and a woman to give foot rubs. The ladies all received a robe to take home. When I walked in to prepare the dinner two of the woman said, "If you think I am changing out of my robe you have another thing coming." I responded, "I don't care what you wear as long as you help me with the prep work."

I love being around people. Serving them, caring for their needs and listening to their hurts is my idea of a fun time. But there are memories I am trying to erase. There are scratches on the floor that are etched with a glance, a voice, a touch that still lingers.

Satan has had me convinced that being single and espectially a man, I am incapable of using these gifts.

But, come on now. I was the chef in a five star restaurant. I cooked steak and lobster in a open pit for all to see. I fed 600 on a Saturday night and thought nothing of it.

You see, Satan wants us to live in the past to make us ineffective in using our God given gifts today. So I write these words as a statement, a testimony, a desire and a decree.

Are there any empty rooms in your house like mine? Are there gifts that the enemy has convinced you not to use? He is so subtle with his tactics. I have been ineffective, inadequate, and ineffective way too long.

I feel God gently saying, " I am waiting. I want you to continue the race." Be aware and be on guard that Satan will do what ever he can to derail your ambitions. So we must get up and get going. We just might be the ignition switch that ignites their fire for Christ.

For the case of the cross,
for the sake of the lost
I will use my gifts.

I am constantly searching
quietly waiting
to reach out
and give others a lift.

With a smile on the outside
that radiates from within,
I will scrape away the hurts
and begin again.

Brad M
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