Have you ever noticed how one letter can make a big difference in a word? Cot is something totally different than coat. If you sent a text message to your friend and asked to borrow her cot when you really needed to borrow her coat you could be left out in the cold. Corny, I know, but stick with me here. I promise this is going somewhere.
The letter “o” added or taken away is the difference between you doing a good thing or a God thing. There are many good things in this world you could give your time, energy and money to and bless others; however, I believe there are God things the Lord set aside specifically for each of us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 says “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our God is a planner. He isn’t random and He doesn’t just leave things to chance. He has determined to work through His children to accomplish His purposes and He has chosen things for each of us to do. God gave us the gifts and talents we need to accomplish the tasks He has set aside for us to do [Hebrews 13:20-21]. He has a beautiful plan for each of our lives; yet He has allowed us freedom to partner with Him or walk away from His plan [Jeremiah 29:11].
According to John 10:10 the enemy has a plan to kill steal and destroy us. He is very cunning [2 Corinthians 11:3]. He knows we wouldn’t fall for a blatant distraction from what God has assigned us to do, so he tempts us with good things. He knows if he can entice us to take up causes never intended for us we would not have time to do what God called us to do. We would also be taking the blessing of doing that task from the person it was intended for and cause them to feel insignificant in the Kingdom.
When faced with a decision of how to spend your time, talents and resources, take it to the Lord in prayer and seek His direction. What you are considering may be a good thing, but not a God thing for you. There is greater blessing in serving God where He needs you and intends for you to serve. He knows the plans He has for you. The only way you will discover them is to ask Him.