Wild Ride
As I step into the beginning of another year of life, I reflect on all God has done thus far. And I wonder what He will call me to in the future, especially in these next 366 days (it’s a leap year!). There have been many days over the years that I’ve spent seeking God’s will and questioning whether or not I am answering His call and fulfilling His purpose for me on this earth. I only get one chance, so I wanna be sure I get this right! But somewhere along the way, I have learned that God’s grand purpose for me is to glorify Him, and He will graciously give me innumerable opportunities in this lifetime to do exactly that! He has, and will continue to, call me to do a variety of hard and holy things and also fun and exciting things; He will bring about unique purposes for me in given seasons. But all are within the lifetime call to make much of Christ and the overall purpose to bring Him glory. I see now that I’ve spent way too much time trying not to miss God’s will for me that I’ve actually missed aspects of this abundant life that I want so much to live.
At 25 years old, God called me into motherhood, something I knew I wanted since I was a little girl. At 35 years old, God called me to love and serve orphans in Uganda, something I never imagined I would ever do. At 45 years old, God called me to give away a part of myself through living organ donation, something else I never thought would be part of His plan for me. But all these things, and a host of other things along the way, have been to point others to Jesus and to bring Him glory. I have no idea what He will call me to do in year 46, but I do know that the point of all of it is to spend myself: to become lesser so that He becomes greater. It sounds noble – and it is – but it’s not easy. I fail and I fall, and for every time I overcome fear, there are umpteen times I succumb to it. I daily fight pride and control and selfishness. Too often I believe the lies of the enemy. But thank the good Lord, His mercies are new every morning. Every day is a fresh start. He remains faithful despite my inconsistency, my wandering, my sin. If He keeps the pattern going, by 55 years old, I hope God has called me to be an author, encouraging and challenging others in their faith as He grows mine. But only He knows what is in store, and I pray that I will honor Him in whatever He puts in my path. It’s been quite a ride so far, so I will continue to hold on tight.
As I pondered another birthday, I was encouraged by the words from Psalm 112: Praise the Lord! Fearing the Lord and living in obedience to Him brings great joy to the lives of those who believe. Future generations of the godly will be blessed with abundant life. Good deeds will last eternally when done in God’s name and for His glory. The godly are not overcome by darkness; light will continue to shine. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. They will not be undone by evil. The righteous will be long remembered. When bad news comes, they will not give in to fear, but will trust God with complete confidence. They will face opposition with triumph because of God’s grace and power. They share freely and give generously to those in need. They will have influence and honor. (my paraphrase) This is the cry of my heart as I face the year ahead.
No matter where you are in years – 25, 35, 45, or beyond, please don’t waste precious time trying to scrutinize what God’s will is for your life. As long as you are breathing, you are called to make much of Christ, and the purpose of your life is to glorify God – in everything you do. Eagerly live the abundant life available to you in Jesus, and hold on tight – it’s a wild ride!
