General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

A GREAT CALL TO A SMALL WORK

We need not necessarily conclude, because we have been given a high calling by God, that he therefore at once puts into our hands what will appear to human eyes to be a great work. GCB April 9, 1901, page 168.1

Elijah, the great prophet, cast his mantle upon Elisha (1 Kings 19:19), thereby signifying that Elisha had received a call for a similar position. But the work that was given Elisha was to go around, and pour water upon Elijah’s hands whenever the occasion demanded. 2 Kings 3:11. Certainly, from a human point of view, this was a much smaller business than plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. GCB April 9, 1901, page 168.2

Many of the young people whom God has called into our institutions, or to engage in his work in other capacities, become very much disappointed at the apparently insignificant work that is given them to do. But neither the devil himself nor any of his agents can confine a man to an experience in life a moment after it has worked out God’s purpose upon his character. Joseph certainly was a good boy; but it was necessary for his body to be laid in iron, in order for the word of God to “purify” out of his life something that was still lurking there. Psalm 105:18, 19, Jewish translation. And when that had been accomplished, the king sent and loosed him. The proud Egyptian monarch did not possess sufficient power to keep God’s servant in bondage one moment after the prison experience had accomplished its purpose in Joseph’s life. He was to be situated where he would have the privilege of binding princes at his own pleasure—not a safe opportunity for the majority of men, unless they have first passed through the experience of being bound themselves. GCB April 9, 1901, page 168.3

Do you seem to be hedged in and bound about, with none to pity or appreciate your situation? Perhaps God is getting you ready to know how you ought to deal with others when they are similarly situated; at any rate, the experience ought absolutely to cure you of the disposition to take delight in binding others. GCB April 9, 1901, page 168.4

—David Paulson, M. D. GCB April 9, 1901, page 168.5

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it; for I shall not pass this way again.” GCB April 9, 1901, page 168.6