Times have radically and abruptly changed and our priorities must change with it. The scriptures tell us that God created us with a purpose and plan for our lives. Have we so yielded to His leading that we are submitting to that purpose or do the cares and distractions of life, most of which seem important and pressing, subtract us from the purpose we and only we are created for?
Jesus told a man who needed to tend to the burial of his father to let someone else do it – that tells me that when I make my list of priorities I must concentrate my time and energies on the task I was created for, the task that no one else can do exactly as I was called to do it. It is my part in the kingdom.
I recall a time when I was working and busy with a young family. I asked one of my children to start dinner so I could go to their school play that night when I got home from work. As I walked in the door I looked around to a sparkling house, and shining faces as they had worked hard to surprise me by doing a task that needed doing. But, unfortunately, it wasn’t part of the plan and didn’t help move the purpose forward at that moment. I had the bigger picture that they didn’t. I appreciated their hard work and hugged them both with gratitude, but inside I was disappointed that they hadn’t done the one simple thing that would have made the evening go so much more smoothly for us all.
I wonder if God feels that way when I should be writing the books and blogs He inspires and preparing the radio programs He provided, and instead I find a million “important” other things to do. Seeing the huge number of people who read this blog, and the countless number of faceless listeners to the radio program, many from countries closed to the gospel; I gasp with the trust God has placed in Cara and I to minister the Word until He comes.
Brothers and Sisters across the globe are being tortured and killed for their faith in Jesus.We must allow our priorities to be useful tools in His hand as the time is near and there are many who have yet to hear. There are those who God has planned for us to point to Him. We must hurry to fulfill our part.
Holy, Almighty, Heavenly Father, please help me as I surrender everything to You. I am a willing, living sacrifice to be Your hands, Your voice, Your love until You come. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Patti and Cara
Classic Christianity, A Year of Timeless Devotions