Friday, January 13, 2012

DEVOTION: Carrying the Cheese by Marcia Lee Laycock






But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain (1 Cor. 15:10).

         I heard a well-known story recently, about David, the future king of Israel. As I listened, I pictured David as a young man, eager for adventure, eager to take his place beside his brothers on the battlefield. I wonder if David schemed a bit, when his father called him home. I wonder if he didn’t fantasize, just a little, about wearing armor and carrying a sharp sword. Imagine his disappointment when his father placed a donkey’s lead in his hand instead. He was not being sent to the front lines to fight the great battle and win the victory. He was being sent to give nourishment to those who were.
      Perhaps David’s cry to God went like this – “But Lord, You’ve given me strength enough to kill lions and bears. You had the prophet anoint me king. So why, Lord? Why do you ask me to only carry the cheese?”
      But David obeyed. It was later he discovered that submitting to the role of the servant was God’s way of putting him where he would do the most good. God did have bigger things planned, and David’s journey to get there was part of his preparation for an even bigger picture. God was making David not just into the boy-hero who slew the giant, but into a King worthy of his anointing.
      Sometimes writers dream and scheme as David did. We know our gifts, we see the needs and are eager to do great things. But often the path God tells us to walk does not seem to lead to the place where we think we would do the most good. We would do well to remember that God knows the bigger picture. He knows the plans He has for us, “plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Like David, we are being shaped into useful tools. And like David we are best shaped when we are serving others.
      Is there a donkey’s lead dangling in front of you? Perhaps God is telling you to get up and carry some cheese.


MARCIA LAYCOCK’s inspirational writing has won awards in both Canada and the U.S. Her devotionals are distributed to thousands and her novel, One Smooth Stone, won the Best New Canadian Christian Author Award in 2006. Marcia is also a sought-after speaker for women’s events. Visit her at her website.

5 comments:

  1. Thank you, Marcia. This is just what I need. I'm sure many of us can relate to chafing at being assigned 'cheese carriers.' I'll tuck this devotion away for times when I need it.
    Blessings,
    Paula V

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  2. Loved this post about carrying the cheese.How good to know He knows the big picture and will place us where needed at the right time. Meanwhile all we have to be is obedient. Thanks Marcia.

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  3. Thank you, Marcia, for all the cheese carriers in the world. I love the fact that when we are obedient to the Lord, he is responsible for the consequences. We are not.

    Nothing we do is without consequence. May we always move in obedience - no matter how inconsequential or menial the task may seem.

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    1. Thanks for these great comments. You might like to know that this devotional is included in my devotional ebook for writers of faith. You can download it in any ebook format at www.smashwords.com/books/view/58017
      Blessings, Marcia

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  4. Marcia, bless you for this message. I have just survived a long, difficult journey carrying a heavy load of cheese. I look forward in anticipation to see what God accomplishes as a result of this time.

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