Leadership. When I was in basic training, we had West Point cadets that assisted the drill instructors. While these men were intelligent, they were unable to properly lead us. Why? Because they had only read about leading in books and had no real world leadership experience. We were still able to rely on our training and experience to complete the tasks, but we had no respect for these men that called themselves leaders, yet never led. This scenario may work for a short time, but eventually the "men" will dissent and find a true leader to lead them, often looking among their peers for one that possesses those characteristics.
Unity. That the team is more important that the individual, and that when everyone works as one, it is easier to accomplish the goal. This experience has been valuable when building teams of likeminded people for outreach,mentors, and soulwinning.
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:16 KJV)
Business owner-
The importance of a plan, goals, and a budget that I would later use when developing the Acts 2:38 Street Ministry.
Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV)
The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want. (Proverbs 21:5 KJV)
And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. (Habakkuk 2:2 KJV)
Police Officer-
This occupation taught me the value of being fair and not judging by appearance. It taught me to look at several small parts to see the big picture. I learned to not be easily intimidated, to be aware of my environment, and to be bold in the face of adversity.
I took this experience and knowledge
and allowed God to use it for His Kingdom. I do not judge, I see people according to their fruit. I look at the bigger picture in the Kingdom, not just where I am in the here and now. I am bold in the Holy Ghost and can walk any street, witness to any person God leads me too and not be intimidated or ashamed of this Truth.
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? (John 7:24, 26 KJV)
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:33 KJV)
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 KJV)
Railroad Engineer-
I have learned that my labor and my
skillset as an engineer is valueable. That the job must be done at all hours of day or night, and that through bad weather and good, the trains must move. I have learned about persecution for my beliefs and rising above to be an example to some that they can come to for godly advice.
The ministry cannot stop, it must go forward. Under even the worst conditions we cannot stop trying to win souls for the Kingdom. We are to be humble in our beliefs and stand as Jesus stood, and turn the other cheek as necessary, at the same time contending for the faith.
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (Luke 16:10 KJV)
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (Luke 9:62 KJV)
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (1 Peter 4:16 KJV)
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3 KJV)
No matter where you have been, God will use it for His glory. The delivered drug addict has just as powerful a testimony as the lifelong Holy Ghost filled saint.
How can someone that has never touched a drug or drank alcohol be a witness to someone on the street who is going through those issues? God uses forgiven people to exhort to people that are living sinful lives, in a way that only someone who has been there can.
God uses the lifelong saint who has never fallen to reach struggling saints. Only they can explain how hard it is to maintain their walk, the very real struggle of maintaining a holy lifestyle, and dealing with day to day issues that face every Christian in today's churches.
He will use a single mom to reach a young woman who may be on the verge of making a decision that could affect the rest of her life.
So when you wonder why you may be in a certain place, or regret places you have been or things you have done, just
know that God will use that for His Glory. That those choices you made were wrong for you then, but right for God now. Know that guilt is not biblical and that you cannot see the Kingdom with unforgiveness in your heart. That includes unforgiveness for yourself. Pray that you can see yourself through God's eye's, and that He will reveal to you, your place in the Kingdom.
Know that when you repent and ask God to forgive you, that He blots that sin from His memory. If He is God and He forgives it, who are you to keep bringing it up?
Get prayed up and get busy in the Kingdom!
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