Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."

Luke 3:21-22

When heaven opened Jesus had yet to perform a miracle. He had not preached a single sermon. He had lived for 30 years and been very quiet about it. And yet, God knew His wisdom and stature and was pleased.

What is done in the silent place with God is what matters. It is in the quiet hours of fellowship with God that we are shaped and molded and made into men and women He can use – people with whom He can be well-pleased. You are in a place that you can be used, even though you may feel limited, frustrated, and cramped. Maybe your health is an issue. Maybe your finances are an issue. Use your circumstances where you are at to glorify God. Spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. Grow and bloom where you are, and your Father will be pleased with you.

Faithful service grows in the soil of faithful worship.

Our Daily Bread – March 26, 2004