serving – prayersandpowerchords

why I’m here, and where I believe God is taking us

I didn’t set out to become a pastor. I became one because there was a need here—right here in this church. I was already serving as a chaplain, but the pastor at the time was struggling more than I realized. He asked me to come alongside him and help carry the load. The congregation affirmed that call, and I’ve been doing my best to serve faithfully ever since.

But the truth is, God had been calling me long before that. Even as a teenager, I knew God wanted me to preach and shepherd His people. I ran from it. I went my own way. But God never gave up on me. He pursued me relentlessly. My wife saw it in me even when I didn’t want to see it in myself. She kept encouraging me to answer that call, and eventually, I couldn’t run any longer.

This church—our church—is special. It’s small, rural, and has a history marked by both division and reconciliation. Born out of controversy, it spent years finding its identity, and just a decade ago, we merged with the very church we split from half a century earlier. Despite everything, we’re still here. And I believe that’s not by accident. God still has a plan for us.

But I also see something that burdens me deeply: our people seem tired. I sense that many wonder if God can still use them. Some feel forgotten, others just worn down. And here’s what I want to say to you:

Yes, God can still use you. And yes, God wants to.

If I could light a fire in the heart of every person here, it would be this: The old ways don’t work anymore. We’ve lost the cultural home-field advantage. But that’s okay. The early church didn’t have it either. What they had was courage, creativity, and conviction. And we can have that too.

It’s time to be bold again. Time to stop trying to get back to the way things were. Time to rise up and be the subversive, life-giving force that Jesus called His church to be. It’s our sacred responsibility to train up a new generation of faithful believers—not by retreating, but by stepping forward into the darkness with the light of Christ.

Here’s the vision I believe God has given us for the next few years:

In a world drowning in lies, we must become a people of truth.

In a culture of loneliness, we will be a family of friends.

Where confusion reigns, we will be a voice of clarity.

Where death is celebrated, we will bring the hope of life.

But I won’t lie to you—the road ahead is not easy. Our biggest threats aren’t outside pressures. They’re inside us: stagnation, irrelevance, and fear. And we must face them together.

What keeps me going? The knowledge that Jesus never gave up on me—and I won’t give up on Him. His words in the Beatitudes remind me of the kind of person I want to be, even when I feel weak, lazy, or inadequate. Only He can help me press on.

And why now? Because I’m 62 years old, and I know I don’t have time to waste. God gave me a second chance, and I intend to make it count. When I look 20 years down the road, I want to be the old man in the back of the church, watching the young leaders we raised up carry the torch forward. I want them to look my way and say:

“Thank you, Pastor, for seeing something in me when I didn’t see it myself. Thank you for never giving up.”

That’s the legacy I’m living for. And I want you to live for it too.

Let’s rise. Let’s build. Let’s fight for the future—together.

In Christ,
Pastor Peter Ceccardi

Lord Jesus,

You never gave up on me, even when I ran, even when I resisted, even when I was blind to what You saw in me. Thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for calling me still.

I lift up this little church You’ve given me to shepherd. You know our history. You know our struggles. You know how tired some of us are, and how much we’ve wondered if You’re done with us.

But I believe You’re not done—not with me, and not with us.

Breathe life into dry bones, Lord. Wake us from our slumber. Rekindle the fire that once burned. Replace our fear with courage, our weariness with strength, and our apathy with holy urgency.

Teach us to be bold, creative, faithful witnesses in a world that has forgotten You. Make us a people of truth, clarity, and friendship in a culture of lies, confusion, and loneliness.

Help me to lead well—for as long as You give me breath. Let the seeds I plant now bear fruit in the lives of those who will come after me. And when they remember me, let it not be for sermons or successes, but for a quiet faithfulness that never gave up on what You could do through broken people who believed.

Build Your Church, Lord—and start with us.

In Your mighty name,
Amen.

working, living, walking, and growing

Faith is not a spectator sport. It’s not just about feeling inspired, nodding along to a good sermon, or posting a Bible verse on social media. God calls us to something far greater—real, lived-out obedience.

Yes, He works in us. But we must work it out! The Spirit gives life, but we must actually live! He strengthens us, but we must step forward in obedience! He plants the seed of righteousness, but we must bear the fruit of holiness!

Too many wish to will, but they do not do. They claim to love Christ, but their hands remain idle, their feet unmoved, their hearts unchanged. But the Christian life is not just about wanting to follow Jesus—it’s about actually following Him.

Philippians 2:12-13 captures this tension perfectly:

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Did you catch that? God works in us—He stirs our hearts, changes our desires, and gives us the strength we need. But that doesn’t mean we sit back and coast. Paul says we must work it out. That means taking what God has planted in us and bringing it to life through action.

Think of an athlete. No one wins a race by simply wanting to run. Desire is important, but unless they train, push themselves, and step onto the track, they’ll never cross the finish line. The same is true in our faith! God equips us, but we must step forward. He provides strength, but we must put it to use.

James 1:22 is a wake-up call for every believer:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

It’s easy to be a hearer. We listen to sermons, read devotionals, and fill our minds with truth. But what good is it if it never moves us to action? The Lord seeks not the talk of men, but the labor of their hands. The world is not changed by words alone, but by lives transformed by the power of Christ!

Will we simply speak of obedience, or will we obey?

Will we admire holiness, or will we pursue it?

Will we praise love, or will we practice it?

The difference between a passive believer and an active disciple is action. Faith isn’t meant to be admired from a distance—it’s meant to be lived out daily, in the trenches, where it’s tested and refined.

Jesus had strong words for those who only appeared to be faithful but had no real fruit to show for it. In Mark 11, He cursed a fig tree that was full of leaves but had no figs. It looked healthy from a distance, but up close, it was barren.

We must not be content with mere appearance. Christianity isn’t just about looking the part—it’s about bearing real, lasting fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us what that fruit looks like: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities aren’t just theoretical; they’re meant to shape our interactions, our choices, our daily lives.

True faith has evidence. It’s visible in the way we love, serve, and sacrifice. It’s seen in our integrity, our kindness, and our willingness to follow Christ even when it’s hard.

Brethren, if we are truly His workmanship, let us not be satisfied with half-hearted faith. Let’s move beyond mere belief into obedience. Let’s push past good intentions into faithful action.

The world doesn’t need more Christians who simply talk about Jesus. It needs disciples who actually live like Him.

If God is calling you to serve, step forward and serve.

If He is prompting you to forgive, don’t hesitate—do it.

If He is leading you to share the gospel, open your mouth and speak.

He has already equipped you. Now it’s time to step out in faith.

Let’s be fruitful. Let’s be faithful. Let’s live lives of real, tangible service to His Kingdom. Because God is working in us—but we must work it out!

Lord,

Thank You for working in us, for shaping our hearts and giving us the desire to follow You. But, Father, don’t let us stop at good intentions. Give us the courage to live out our faith, to step forward in obedience, to move when You call.

Forgive us for the times we have been hearers only, for the moments we admired righteousness but failed to pursue it. Stir in us a holy dissatisfaction with passivity. Help us not just to talk about love, but to love deeply. Not just to praise holiness, but to walk in it.

We don’t want to be all leaves and no fruit. Make our lives a testimony of Your grace in action. Strengthen our hands, guide our steps, and use us for Your glory.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

cinnamon and socks for Christmas in far away places

Let me share with you a personal story from many years ago, one that reminds me how even the smallest gestures can bring great joy, especially at Christmas.

In the mid-1980s, I was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in West Germany. That year marked my first Christmas away from home, and I was deeply homesick. It was Christmas Eve, and instead of celebrating with my family, I was sitting in my small room at our barracks near Ulrichstein. The silence was heavy, and my heart felt weighed down by the distance from those I loved.

Suddenly, there came a knock at my door. When I opened it, there stood our site commander—dressed as Santa Claus! He had taken it upon himself to deliver mail from the kasern to everyone at our small station. Just seeing him in that red suit, spreading cheer to all of us far from home, was enough to brighten my spirits. But then, as he handed me a package, I felt a rush of excitement and gratitude.

The package was small—it had to be, given the expense of sending mail from California to West Germany—but it was from home. I carefully opened it to find socks, books, some cards from friends and family, and something that made my heart leap with joy: a plastic tube filled with cinnamon bears, my favorite candy. My mother had included them, knowing exactly what would bring a smile to my face.

At that moment, the socks and the cinnamon bears became more than just items in a box. They were a tangible reminder of love, connection, and the joy of being remembered. Those cinnamon bears and the simple act of kindness from our commander filled my heart with a song that night. Even now, all these years later, cinnamon bears and socks remain the best gifts anyone could give me—they never fail to bring a smile to my face.

The Joy That Transforms

This simple memory reminds me of the joy that Christmas brings—not because of the size or value of the gifts we receive, but because of the love and thoughtfulness behind them. It is the same with the gift of Christ. God sent His Son into the world as a child, small and humble in His arrival, yet He brought with Him the greatest joy humanity could ever know. The angels proclaimed it: “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

Just as that small package filled my heart with joy far from home, the gift of Christ brings joy to a weary and distant world. His coming reminds us that we are not forgotten. In the humblest of forms, God sent us the greatest expression of His love. And that joy, like those cinnamon bears, is meant to be shared with others, brightening hearts and lifting spirits in the darkest of times.

This Christmas, let us not overlook the small acts of love that can bring great joy. Whether it’s a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply sharing the good news of Christ, let us be messengers of joy to those who need it most.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of joy that came to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As we celebrate His birth this Christmas, help us to remember those who are lonely, hurting, or far from the warmth of family and friends. Open our eyes to see those who need a reminder of Your love and grace.

Lord, I ask for opportunities to be a blessing to someone this season. Whether through a kind word, a thoughtful gift, or a simple act of service, use me to share the joy of Christ with those who are weary or burdened. Help me to be sensitive to the needs around me and to respond with compassion and generosity.

Just as You brought joy to my heart through the love of others, may I be a vessel of Your love to someone who needs encouragement. Fill my heart with the same joy the angels proclaimed on that first Christmas night, and let it overflow to brighten the lives of others.

In Jesus’ name, the greatest gift of all, I pray. Amen.

the greatness of humility

In the book of Isaiah, the Bible offers profound insights into human nature, spirituality, and the consequences of unchecked pride. One of the most notable passages on this subject is found in Isaiah 14:13-14, where the downfall of a powerful figure is described. In these verses, we find a powerful lesson about the dangers of arrogance and the pursuit of greatness at the expense of others.

Isaiah 14:13-14 (NIV) reads:

“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.'”

To understand these verses fully, we must examine the context in which they are situated. Isaiah 14 as a whole is a prophetic oracle against the king of Babylon, who was a symbol of worldly power and pride. The passage serves as a taunt against this king, highlighting his arrogant aspirations.

The essence of the passage revolves around the dangers of pride. The Babylonian king’s heart is filled with hubris as he seeks to elevate himself to divine status, asserting his authority even above God. These verses remind us that pride is not merely about having self-confidence or a healthy self-esteem; it is about placing oneself above others and even above God. It is a dangerous and destructive attitude.

The king’s ambitions are boundless, wanting to ascend to the heavens, sit above the stars, and be like the Most High. This insatiable desire for more and more power serves as a warning against unchecked ambition. It’s essential to have aspirations and goals, but when they become fueled by pride and a disregard for others, they can lead to downfall.

Comparing oneself to the Most High is the pinnacle of arrogance. It illustrates how pride can lead us to believe we are equal to or even superior to God, which goes against the fundamental principle of humility in spirituality. This comparison reveals the depth of the king’s delusion.

The pursuit of personal greatness at the expense of others is a recurring theme in human history. When individuals or leaders prioritize their own ascent without considering the well-being of those they lead or serve, it can result in suffering and chaos.

Isaiah 14 goes on to describe the consequences of the Babylonian king’s prideful ambitions. It foretells his ultimate downfall and the ruin of his kingdom. The lesson here is clear: pride, especially when it leads to selfish actions, has severe consequences. It may lead to isolation, loss of power, and even destruction.

In contrast to the arrogance portrayed in Isaiah 14:13-14, the Bible teaches us that greatness can be found in living righteous and humble lives. Humility is presented as a virtue throughout the Bible, involving the recognition of our limitations, acknowledging our dependence on God, and treating others with respect and empathy. It is a key element of spiritual growth and harmonious human relationships.

Humility begins with acknowledging our place in the grand scheme of things. Rather than seeking to elevate ourselves above God, we should submit to divine wisdom and guidance. In Matthew 18:1-4 (NIV), Jesus provides a powerful lesson on humility: “At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'”

It’s important to understand that true greatness is not necessarily measured by worldly achievements, power, or recognition. Instead, greatness can be found in leading a righteous and humble life. When we live with compassion, kindness, and integrity, we are already embodying greatness. Acts of kindness, empathy, and selflessness towards others are the marks of a truly great person.

By recognizing that greatness is not solely defined by external accolades or accomplishments, we can shift our focus towards the virtues that truly matter. Living a righteous and humble life is an inherently great endeavor, as it contributes to the well-being of others and the betterment of our world. In our pursuit of spiritual growth and a meaningful life, let us remember that true greatness lies in the daily choices we make to live with humility and righteousness, impacting the lives of those around us positively.

Rather than seeking to elevate ourselves above others, we can aspire to uplift and support one another, recognizing that in living righteous and humble lives, we are already great. By aligning our values with compassion, kindness, and empathy, we contribute to a world filled with genuine greatness, one where the pursuit of righteousness and humility leads us to the highest form of fulfillment and spiritual growth.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before you today with humble hearts, seeking wisdom and understanding. Thank you for the lessons we find in your Word which reminds us of the dangers of pride and the importance of humility.

Lord, we acknowledge that at times, we may be tempted by the allure of greatness in the eyes of the world. Help us remember that true greatness is not measured by worldly achievements or power but by the love, compassion, and humility we show to others. May we strive to live righteous and humble lives, recognizing that in doing so, we are already great in your eyes.

Teach us to submit to your guidance and wisdom. Help us become like little children, eager to learn and willing to take the lowly position of a servant. May we find strength in our humility, knowing that it is through humility that we draw closer to you.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to intentionally put ourselves in positions of humility, to seek opportunities to serve others, and to embrace the humility that comes from recognizing our dependence on you.

As we navigate our journey through life, may we be vessels of your love and instruments of your peace. May our actions reflect your grace and mercy, and may our lives be grounded in righteousness and humility.

We pray for the strength to resist the temptations of pride and arrogance and to instead follow the path of humility and righteousness that leads us closer to you.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

a flaw by any other name

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

As I study the Bible I find it is filled with flawed, broken people. There are liars and thieves, cowards and cheats. It has those that are angry, some that are bigots. Really the Bible covers the whole range of character flaws one can find throughout humanity. Yet God has chosen people like that to use for His purposes over and over.

Moses was an angry man. He proved during his life. God used him to deliver His people from Egyptian slavery and give them the Law. David was a murderer and adulterer that God used many times during his life. He wrote many of the Psalms. Matthew was a thief that wrote one of the four Gospels. Peter was impulsive and coarse, but he preached the first message of salvation and saw thousands receive Christ, be saved and be baptized.

Maybe we are too quick to decide that someone is disqualified for ministry because of some perceived flaw. Maybe we ought to take a lesson from scripture and realize that God sees things differently than we do.

Flaws, or what we perceive as negative traits or characteristics, can often be seen as strengths when viewed from another perspective. For example, being overly critical of oneself may be viewed as a flaw, but it can also be a strength in terms of setting high standards and striving for excellence. Similarly, being too sensitive may be seen as a weakness, but it can also be a strength in terms of being compassionate and empathetic towards others.

One way to reframe flaws as strengths is to think about the positive intentions behind them. For example, someone who is overly critical may simply be trying to improve themselves or others, while someone who is sensitive may be trying to be understanding and supportive. By recognizing the positive intentions behind our flaws, we can begin to see them as strengths rather than weaknesses.

Another way to reframe flaws as strengths is to think about the unique perspectives and skills they bring. For example, someone who is shy may be seen as weak, but they may also have a great ability to listen and observe, which can be valuable in certain situations. Similarly, someone who is impulsive may be seen as reckless, but they may also be able to make quick decisions and take risks, which can be beneficial in certain circumstances.

When we recognize and embrace our flaws we are much more apt to turn to God for help in those areas of our lives. When David’s sin was revealed it was then that he turned to God for forgiveness and deliverance. Paul’s overzealous nature was put to good use once he stopped pursuing believers and began to preach the gospel instead.

It’s also important to remember that flaws are not always negative. They can be the things that make us unique and different from others. Embracing our flaws can help us to be more authentic and true to ourselves, which can lead to greater self-acceptance and usefulness to the Kingdom of God.

Furthermore, sometimes flaws are simply a matter of perspective. For example, someone who is described as “lazy” may simply have a different approach to time management, or they may have a different set of priorities. On the other hand, someone who is described as “overly ambitious” may simply be highly motivated and focused on their goals.

So, flaws can be seen as strengths when viewed from a different perspective. By recognizing the positive intentions behind them, thinking about the unique perspectives and skills they bring and embracing them as a part of our unique selves, we can begin to see them as opportunities and strengths rather than weaknesses. Additionally, it’s important to remember that flaws are often a matter of perspective and that what one person sees as a flaw, God may be able to use as a strength.

Lord I pray that you will reveal to me my flaws and weaknesses. Where they are hindering me help me to overcome them. Use me as I am to further your will in my life and the lives of those around me. Where I am weak make me strong. Humble me in what strength I have so that I may rely on You and give you the glory and honor for any success I find.

I had it upside down

Wasted time equals a neglected page. Never thought I would admit something like that. It’s been said to me many times throughout my life but somehow I seem to get by. But I’ve had some time to really reflect this past week or so and I’ve learned a few things about myself that aren’t very flattering.

Toss in the topics I’ve been preaching on the last few weeks and oh boy.

Let’s start by saying that self-reflection has never been my strongest trait. I tend to find what I like and stick to it. I’m not saying that I’ve never had a wake up moment but they are pretty rare. It’s easier for me to slide into the sin of pride than I’d like.

I take a lot of things in my life for granted and if those granted things go away I have a powerful tendency to turn my back on them. New things will come right? But what if I’m wrong? My strategy seemed to work for me. What if I had done things differently?

I know it’s a waste of time to dwell on the past. But what if it’s not?

If you look over my old posts you’ll see two characters pop up a lot.

Worthless

Worthwhile

I wrote about my struggle with these two and which was winning. I think my struggle is real but my analysis flawed. Let me explain briefly as an intro.

I always thought that Worthwhile ought to win but it was my pride that made me feel Worthwhile. Getting knocked down a peg or two and suddenly I’m Worthless and fighting to regain my stubborn pride, thinking I’m winning.

Sometimes I’m a moron.

Father God, all praise to You who created me. Forgive my sin of pride. Bless my mother who bore me, bless my father too. Bless my children with my secret hope for them. Bless my wife who loves me in spite of my failures. Remove my pride even if it hurts. I yield to you. Let Worthless win. Amen

More to come

volunteers make the church work

At the beginning of the year I put out the call for volunteers at the church where I pastor. I made a list of needed help and called the church to pray for the right people to come to us and fill the roles that had been identified. I don’t know if anyone is still praying over our list but we did see some results and I’d like to publically thank those that stepped up to help out.

Brian thank you so much for taking on the task of maintaining our grounds. It is a very important task and I know that it takes up a lot of time. How the property looks is the very first impression that people have of our church and we want that impression to be a good one. Without your efforts that wouldn’t be possible. Paul and Junia I know that you have also pitched in and your help is very much appreciated. You two were also instrumental in the ongoing remodel of the new classroom. It was your efforts that really got that project moving again after it had gotten stalled.

Good first impressions continue because Sandy came forward and volunteered to take on the task of keeping the sanctuary, bathrooms, and other spaces clean and tidy. Your personal touches in those areas have really made a huge difference in the way members and visitors alike see our facility. I don’t know if anyone has thanked you personally but several people have asked me who has been cleaning because the place looks great. It feels like somebody actually loves it and wants it to look it’s very best. Your servant’s heart really shines through the work that you do. I pray that God bless you abundantly.

Stan and Kathy have continued to keep the kitchen and coffee room clean and tidy. I always know that you’ve been there even if I didn’t see you because of the smell of Pine-Sol in the air after you leave. You two have been performing this task for several years and it’s about time you got a public thank you for it.

Papa G, Stan, and Dan have done a lot of work in our new classroom and I am really happy to let you all know that we will be opening up one side of it this Sunday for use. These men have worked very hard to present to you all a building that you can be proud of. They’ve done demolition, put up Sheetrock, textured and painted. They’ve dug trenches, run wires, installed a bunch of stuff. Been up and down ladders countless times and made numerous trips to a variety of home improvement stores. Their work has been done with excellence and love. There is still a lot more to be done but I know that these men will be there to do the job and do it right. Thank you thank you thank you.

In one sense a church is just a bunch of people that get together once in a while and do church. If that’s all you get from it God bless you and expand your thoughts. Because really a church ought to be like a family with all that implies. A family does things together with a common goal and so should a church. I am certain that if you are attending a church somewhere that there are plenty of opportunities for you to serve. It is my prayer that you find that spot and fill it because you are necessary and important no matter what you think. God will use you if you make yourself available for use.

I know that I have not mentioned every person that volunteers in our church. Fear not I see all and so does God. There are many more blogs to write.

Be the answer to someone’s prayer

Do you ever think about how God answers our prayers? I know that I do. I do so because I get asked quite often to pray for or about a person or situation. After I pray for something or someone I will monitor the situation or circumstance as at I am able because I really like to know how my prayers are being answered. I think that is reasonable and I think also that lots of other people do,the same thing. We all ought to be looking for our prayers to be answered because that is one of the best ways we can build up our witness.

God uses people to answer prayers.

A lot of times my prayers are for people or situations that are far away from me and so my prayers are often a request that God move someone “over there” to act on behalf of whatever I am praying about. It occurs to me that there are likely people far from me making the same kind of prayers about people or situations near to me. In that case there is a possibility that God may try to move me to be the answer to that prayer.

God uses people to answer prayers because it build faith and testimony in three different people. In the one praying, the one answering, and the one for whom the prayer was offered.

For the believer being a co-laborer with God in these situations is privelage that is not to be taken lightly. Being an answer to prayer may take courage or boldness. It may include the possibility of persecution or danger. It could expose you to difficult circumstances. It could even lead to emotion or spiritual stress. But along with these come certain blessing and great joy a well.

If you want to be used by God as the answer to someone else’s prayer (and you should) there are a few things you’d better know because while He is sovereign and can use anyone he prefers to use the qualified. So what makes one qualified?

First you must be available. If you are self absorbed paying attention only to yourself and your concerns it will be hard for you to be used purposefully by God. Selfishness is a barrier to a meaningful prayer life. It is something that God dispises. Paul reminds us in Romans 12 that we are to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice as our duty to God. We are to lay ourselves on the altar and by doing so we become ready for his use. The word to use here is holy, that is set aside for his purposes. Again Paul says in his letter to Timothy that a vessel that is to be used for honorable purposes must be clean.

Second you must be listening. God speaks to us in any number of ways so in order to be used we ought to be paying close attention to Him. We need to be praying. Remember that prayer is a two way conversation with God. All too often we get so caught up in our requests that we forget to be listening. We forget to pause and give Him a chance to say something to us. He also speaks to,us through His word so keep reading scripture. This is the best way to understand His mind and ways. He will also speak to you through the people around you so pay attention and be sensitive when talking to others. Be a good listener.

Finally you must be willing. God is a gentleman. He won’t force you to do things. He may make it difficult to refuse. He may use circumstances or hardship to help you understand His will but you always get the option to opt out. Like Malachi told Ester you if you refuse God will find another way for His will to be achieved but you will miss out on the blessings that would have been yours.

What an honor we have as believers to be workers in God’s kingdom. Don’t be so self-interested that you miss the opportunities out there to be His answer to someone’s plea for help. Don’t miss the blessings that are to be yours because you are unavailable or unwilling to answer the call when it comes to you. Your testimony is your best witness and your testimony comes by answered prayers.