"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." Luke 9:23
All my life I've believed that God has a purpose for my life. I don't know exactly what His plan is for me but I know His plan is best. When I was a young girl, before I was even saved, I remember a Pastor's wife telling me that God had a great plan for my life. She told me to stay close to the Lord and follow His will. No one had ever said anything like that to me before. It has stayed with me ever since. I didn't get saved until I was 17. Before I was saved I really struggled with where I was going in my life. There were choices I almost made that could have seriously hindered God's plan for me. After I was saved I wanted to serve the Lord with my whole heart. It hasn't always been easy and I've failed many times. I'm not perfect by any means but I'm thankful God forgives me each time I fail and helps me follow Him again.
For several years I've believed that God wants to use me in ministry in some way. And He is! I have the wonderful opportunity of teaching our Kindergarten and 1st grade Sunday school class. I've been teaching them for the last 6 years. Teaching those kids has helped me grow closer to the Lord. The longer I serve Him the sweeter He grows...and the more I desire to serve Him.
When I was a teenager and right after I was saved I was able to be really involved in my church and with our youth group. I was always at the church and serving and helping in some way. When I moved to a new area and a new church I had new responsibilities. I had a full time job and that meant I wasn't at the church as often for the extra things. I still could go to services and even visitation at times but it wasn't quite the same. And the longer I've had that job the less I feel like I can serve in my church. I know God has a purpose for me in my job and there are thing I learn each day. The similarities between my job and serving God are awesome and I can see how I can use what I've learned. I can also be a light to those I work with and that's God's plan right now.
Every year I get the opportunity to go to church camp and help in many ways. Each year it increases my desire to serve in greater capacities. It makes me not want to go back to work because I want to be working for the Lord and with His people.
Over the last couple years I've gotten to know both missionary families being sent out of our church. Of course one family is actually my sister and her husband. :) It's awesome to hear about their burdens and struggles and the victories along the way. It's the same thing when we have missionaries come visit our church and to see a greater vision for the needs throughout the world.
The need for people to take the gospel around the world and across the street is overwhelming. I was looking at countries in Europe to see how many true churches there are and the numbers are staggering. There are so few churches preaching God's word and such a large number of people that need to hear! This week at camp I spoke with a church planter about the needs even in our own land and it just seems to grow each day. It seems like there are fewer and fewer people who are willing to take God's word across the sea or even a few hours away or simply across the street.
Where are the men to answer God's call to preach the word? Where are the women who are surrendered to follow God, even away from family?
As great as family is, serving God is far better. I'd rather serve the Lord in His will and be far from family knowing I'll see them in Heaven if not on this earth.
I know it must be difficult to walk away from a stable job, to leave family and friends, to go to a place where you only have God to rely on...but if that's God's plan, why not?
When I started working at my job it was just a job. Over the years it became a career and with God's help I was able to move up in the company. I've always told my boss that I'll be there until they fire me, until I get married, or until God makes it very clear that I no longer need to work there. I could see myself continuing with company, climbing the ladder of success and even retiring from there someday. But as much as I love my job I know that I could walk away from it if that's what God asks.
It's not always easy to serve God. There are times the cross we are called to bear is heavy. But God is there to help us each step of the way. I don't know God's plan for me yet. I know that right now He has given me ways to serve and share His word. I also know that He wants me to be surrendered to whatever His future will is for me. It's not up to me to decide. I only need to follow His leading.
I want to serve God however He asks of me today but I also want to be willing and prepared to go wherever He calls and to do whatever He asks.
How about you? Are you willing to follow God's will where and when He calls? The safest place to be is in the center of God's will. Don't put limits on how far you will follow God. Surrender completely and daily to God and His plan.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
Mark 16:15
