Service

I've been thinking more about what God desires of us. So often I've thought of service to God showing up only in the most blatant forms - like being a minister or at least a spiritual counselor.  Today I was reading a book that really spoke to me.  It was a short e-book by one of my favorite authors - Karen Kingsbury.  The synopsis of the story is that when a young couple lose their daughter in childbirth - along with the chance of having anymore children - they do something unexpected.  They realize that in order to get through their grief they have to find a way to help others. They don't do this by becoming pastors or even by getting involved with children who need good homes.  They do this by opening a bookstore and being there for their patrons who are hurting.

I believe that God speaks to us in a variety of ways.  Certainly He speaks through sacred writings like the Bible, but he also uses other books, songs, nature, other people . . . He has lots of ways to speak to me, and I am so grateful for His leading.  Today He spoke to me through this short e-book. I have been questioning the plans I had made to step forward into a new venture.  Is this really what God wants me to do?  Today I have the vision. No matter what I do, I can do it with a prayer in my heart for God's will to be done in my life.  I can keep my eyes open for those opportunities to share God's love with those around me - not in a preachy way, but by allowing my life to be a channel through which God can express His love. 

I think of a couple of verses that have been in my mind lately. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength" ( Mark 12: 30 - New Century Version)  As I discussed a few days ago, I realized that loving God with all my strength requires that all my activities stem from a desire to do His will.  The other one is "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. . ." (Ecclesiastes 9:10). This morning these verses feel like guidance - like God is saying to me, "Yes, move forward - and put your whole self into it. Quit your wavering about whether I want you to do it or not and move forward in full confidence."

Father, I am so grateful for your guidance in my life and for your love and acceptance of me - even when I am struggling with things that would be easy if I would just relax and trust you! Once again I ask that your will be done in my life this day and I am grateful that you who have begun a good work in me will see it to completion.  While I might sometimes be tempted to set something aside when the going gets tough and not finish it, you won't do that when it comes to your work in me.  Thank you, Father!