Three Life Points to Consider

I happened to watch Joyce Meyer (www.joycemeyer.org) the other night on television, and she made three points that I believe generally alludes us in our relationship with God.
 

Point #1: I Have to Do What?
First, she said, "God doesn't just give us something without requiring that we do something."

I had never thought of this. I had just finished reading Leviticus and Numbers, which I call the books of law.

God had given the children of Israel the promised land in Exodus, the land of Canaan. In Numbers 13:1-24, however, upon reaching the outskirts of the promised land (not too long after they left Egypt), Moses sent men from each tribe into the different regions to see what they faced — the people, types of towns and fortifications, and types and abundance of what the land provided them. When the men returned in Numbers 13:25-33, the people were dismayed that many of the towns were well fortified and some of the people were described as giants. In chapter 14, they rebelled against God for taking them out of Egypt only to die in the promised land. He punished them by not allowing anyone present of age 20 or over to ever enter the promised land. It took 40 years of wondering in the desert for all of these adults, except Moses, to pass away.

The children Israel had expected that, since God had promised it to them, they were going to be able to walk in and take over the land with little-to-no effort. They never thought they would have to fight some pretty big battles for it.

The Bible is filled with such examples where God promises, but the recipients must do their part, as well.

As Joyce Meyer said, we have to be willing to stand up and be who we wish to be and to do what we wish to do in life, being persistent and don't give up!
 

Point #2: Age Doesn't Matter!
Her second point deals with age, and I have to admit that I've been guilty of such erroneous thinking, myself. She pointed out that the spirit within us doesn't age. We can do at 80 what we did at 20. The point, of course, is not to let the fact that you're older keep you from doing what you want in life, especially a calling from God.

I believe the reverse is true, as well. I cannot count the number of news stories I've heard over the years of a child who wanted to make a difference in the world and did!

This past summer, a tornado hit a Boy Scout camp in Iowa, killing several scouts. One of the boys killed had a funeral, where the entire town turned out to grieve for this young man of 12. There were even people from around the state and a television news reporter.

For several years, this young scout had sewn uniquely individual pillow cases for people confined for any length of time in hospitals around the area. The news reporter was one of the recipients of his pillow cases. He told how receiving the gift when he felt so miserable was a highlight for him and meant so much that he still had it. The boy had been making a difference in people's lives for several years before the Father called him home.

So, regardless of your age — from the very young to the very old, you are never too old or young to make a difference. Your spirit doesn't age!

Point #3: Do What You Love & Are Comfortable Doing
Joyce Meyer made another point during her presentation. She said to figure out what you love to do and what you are comfortable doing. Then, just start doing it as much as you can, when you can. God will bless you with opportunities and time to do more.

That's especially important when it comes to a calling (a personal ministry) from the Lord. Many times, our calling isn't something where we can just stop living our current life and jump right in, such as preaching the word as a priest or nun when you have a spouse and family who depend upon you.

So, figure out how you can do your calling now and in the future, setting your eventual goal. For example, God gave me a personal ministry of helping Christians grow their faith. I can only do so much while needing to support myself. My goal, however, is to do this ministry on a full-time basis and on a larger scale.

Next, figure out ways to use what free time you currently have to do your calling on a part-time basis in a manner that coincides with your life as it currently is. If you have a family, consider making it a family activity. The Lord will see your commitment and provide you with more opportunities and time as you go.

by Patricia Hawke
Copyright 2008, Patricia Hawke

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