At God’s Disposal
The early 1910s were an interesting time for Oswald and Biddy Chambers. They had a child named Kathleen. The first world war began. And the League of Prayer for whom Oswald ministered opened the Bible Training College (BTC) in Clapham. This was a great undertaking, and the work that Oswald and Biddy did at this college provided enormous benefit for many students who came through their system. Oswald lectured at the college day by day, with Biddy sitting in on his lectures and taking notes of his teachings.
Learning to Be Available for God
Towards the end of their time at the college, Biddy organised a remembrance book to be signed by students, reflecting on what the school had meant to them, and how the Chambers family had been a blessing to them. A statement here on page 73 of Michelle Ule's book Mrs Oswald Chambers got me thinking. She wrote that the students of this college "had learned what it meant to be at God's disposal, and that their only aim was to be where God would be glorified".
A question: are you willing to be at God's disposal? Unfortunately, the word 'dispose' tends to have a negative connotation. To think of God disposing of you might make you think He is discarding you or getting rid of you. But that's not it at all - to be at God's disposal means you are available to be used by Him wherever He may send you. Do you remember the words of the song that goes:
Here I am Lord! Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night
I will go Lord where You lead me
I will hold Your people in my heart
Where God Would Be Glorified
That's a cry of somebody who is at God's disposal - availing themselves to go where He sends and follow His calling. Have you placed yourself at God's disposal? Are you willing to go where He leads you?
The author said that the students' only aim was to be where God would be glorified. I think if your desire is for God to be glorified in You, then you will place yourself at His disposal. But if you are wanting to get comfortable, and go where you can be most at ease, then you'll say to God "here I am Lord, use somebody else!"
Friend, don't do that. Do what the BTC students did. Avail yourself for God's use and purposes.
When you're at His disposal, this is when you will become most effective in your life and ministry.
Oswald Chambers believed we should give our utmost effort for God's highest glory, not to earn salvation but to honour the One who has already saved us. Consider today whether you're giving your utmost effort to live a life that glorifies God.