But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
II Timothy 2:20,21 NKJV
When I was a little girl, I loved when my family gathered around the table for Sunday dinner. Mom always set the table with a linen tablecloth and nice dishes. But once a year – on Christmas day, she would always pull out her special red glasses, making the table look so beautiful and festive. When it was time to clear the table and do the dishes, we were always careful not to break Mom’s special glasses. Today my family has the privilege of drinking from the same special red glasses that I drank from when I was a growing up because Mom passed them on to me. I learned early on, that special dishes are brought out only for special occasions.
Whenever we embark upon a new endeavor there is always a learning curve involved. When I first launched my career as an author and speaker, I had so much to learn. First I had to learn about writing, publishing, book marketing, and book signings. While at the same time I was learning how to craft messages that would inspire audiences and also teach life-changing principles. Not to mention the world of social media.
Despite all my efforts to do everything just right and to succeed in the process, I discovered that nothing happened for me until God opened doors.
I wondered why there were seasons when my calendar was full, then there were other seasons when there was no activity. There was also a time when God lead me into a season of complete rest which lasted for almost a year. I wasn’t allowed to write or speak publically or even write a blog post. But during that time I devoted myself to prayer and studying the Bible. It was an awkward time in my life because I would go to events and many of my author and speaker friends would ask me what I was currently working on. I simply replied, “God has me in a season of rest.” I watched as others continued to move forward. As they announced their speaking engagements and new books releases on social media, I did seemingly nothing. From my point of view, it seemed like feast or famine, until God opened my eyes and allowed me to see what was happening. When I thought I was simply in a season of rest, God was working on me.
One day while reading my bible I came across the passage in II Timothy 2:20,21 which talks about vessels of honor. It caused me to stop to consider whether or not I was truly a vessel of honor.
I could clearly see that some vessels are designed for everyday use, while others are only brought out for special occasions - specific times and seasons. These are the vessels of honor. God was allowing me to go out for a short time, then He would bring me back in until I was ready to be used once again. Has this ever happened to you?
It’s important to understand the process of going out and coming back in.
God doesn’t do this because we did something wrong. It is simply the way He handles His vessels of honor. He sends us out full, and we return empty – having poured out what we have to others. When God brings us back in He cleans us up and fills us up again as we spend time in His presence. When God sees He fit, He sends us out once again.
Would you rather be a vessel of honor or one for common use?
5 Things you must do as a Vessel of Honor
If we want to be a vessel of honor, fit for the Master’s use we must do the following:
1. Stay submitted to God by being yielded to His will – going when He says “go”, and staying when He says, “stay.” Don't force your own will or your way.
2. Deal with whatever God exposes in prayer as an area of spiritual growth and maturity.
3. Keep your eyes on God, not on people. Have confidence that He will bring you back out at the appointed time.
4. Stay prepared by filling up on God’s word.
5. Enjoy the season you’re in and rest while you can. Before you know it, you’ll be back on assignment.
I believe there are many vessels of honor waiting for their time to come. These vessels have been tucked away watching and praying and waiting for their opportunity to come forth and be used by God for special assignments.
Some of God’s choices vessels have yet to be revealed because He has saved His best for last.
Have you been in a long season of waiting?
Be encouraged. Stay ready. Because the time is approaching for you to shine bright and impact the world for God’s glory.
Kathy R. Green