The Toilets of Life
“The great hindrance in spiritual life is that we will look for big things to do. “Jesus took a towel. . . and began to wash the disciples’ feet”.” Oswald Chambers, “My Utmost for His Highest”.
Do you find that to be the case with you? I imagine we could all say at some point–we wanted to do something that “mattered”. Therefore we may have thought, surely it must be in the big thing.
In actuality–it is in the fine grain details of life. The dusting of furniture, washing of windows, cleaning of the toilets. Or, the washing of the feet.
I remember when I was praying–seeking God for the coming days–not knowing the what He was calling me to–only knowing that unless I gave up all of me, I would be a most miserable woman. I prayed, “Lord, I don’t have a clue what You are asking of me–but I am willing to do whatever You want–just show me! I’ll even clean toilets if that is what You require…just show me.”
In a matter of weeks, as I was helping my husband, Jeff clean some dorms here at the conference center on a Wednesday afternoon (the regular cleaning girl cleaned the wrong dorms), I chose to clean the bathrooms and let him vacuum the carpet and gather the trash. I knew that Jeff hated bathroom duty–and I hated it less than he did. (I wasn’t being noble–I like to see a clean bathroom.)
As I was on my knees, cleaning around the very filthy toilet and floor, I was not in the best of moods. It was then that the Lord spoke into my heart—“Remember what you said, Angie? Are you prepared to clean toilets if I ask?”
Well, I had to laugh as the tears pricked my eyes. “Yes, Lord. I am ready. Whatever You call me to–whether it’s toilet’s, floors or a computer keyboard, I’m Your girl.” When Jeff heard me laugh, he asked me what was funny. I just replied, “I was just talking to the Lord–I don’t think you’d get it.”
The Lord wants obedient, willing hearts. He doesn’t want us doing something so that we can then step back and say, “look what I DID!” He prefers the heart with such purity–and humbleness, that we obey without a single thought to ourselves. Looking only to please Him–and cause those around us feel His love by our actions.
Romans 6:16-18 (NLT) Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you have obeyed with all your heart the new teaching God has given you. Now you are free from sin, your old master, and you have become slaves to your new master, righteousness.
I don’t know about you—but I have been a slave to sin and self long enough! I want God to be glorified in and through my life!
So—have you been cleaning toilets lately?
Great post!
I have been wrestling with this concept as well (re: we wanted to do something that “mattered”. Therefore we may have thought, surely it must be in the big thing)
But I heard a message over the weekend that God *does* care about those little things that we do…..in fact, how can He send great(er) responsibilities our way if we cannot handle the “little” ones.
Glad I stopped by today…..
oh, and LOVE my word veri….FORGIVEN
I believe that until I can give Him my little things, that I am willing to do the little things, I won’t be ready to do the big things.
Thanks for sharing Angie, and I, too, like a clean bathroom.
The title you chose to use for this posting really caught my attention! I knew it was a “must-read”! lol But yes, so often we hope to do be able to do something that really matters and assume that it should be something flashy and big. However, God blesses those who are humble in spirit. I pray that in all I do, my heart is in the right place – seeking to serve God in anyway He asks, even if it means cleaning a toilet or two!
Thanks for sharing!
One thing wonderful about the Lord, he cares about our everyday life concerns.. yeah, cleaning the John included. For He feels people should come on everday matters, not wait for the “big events of life.” The ole molehill/mountain thing.We at Talk With The Lord offer a free to all program where 3-5 neigthbors meet monthly to discuss and inspire all tomdaily talks with the Lord. His feet hit the same cement as yours. Free info G.Hubbard,p.o.box 2232,ponte vedra fl 32004 visit our blog with some good posts free, too http://talkwiththelord.blogspot.com/
Amen sis.
Nice column! Once after moving with my disabled mom and two cats, we had a car accident that totalled the car but left us all unharmed. We had very little money and I had no job. I found one that same day cleaning toilets at a motel. I only lasted one day but the money put enough food on the table until I could find permanent work! God definitely works in mysterious ways. I’m so glad he’s in my life! Keep up the good work! These days we need to be reminded more of God.
Oh, yes…the Lord has reminded me of things I said I would do…but didn’t…or said I would do…but never thought I would actually have to follow through with because they were not in my “plans”…
Going to get my scrub brush and Lysol now…
Great post, Angie!
Your post brought a smile to my face. Not that you ended up cleaning toilets, but how He had answered your prayer 🙂 – I love your obedient heart my dear friend.
Thank you for sharing from your heart.
Angie, how true your words are indeed!
I always try to remember that whatever I do, do as unto the Lord.
I guess that translates into cleaning toilets too. Maybe my bathroom would be cleaner if I took that to heart and obeyed.
Thanks Angie.
Love you,
Debbie