A few weeks ago I was able to travel home with my whole family–all 5 of us–for a wedding, a high school dance and time with beloved family and friends. It was a night flight and as we rose in the air, I could see the whole city amassed in white lights. I have always loved looking out the airplane window at earth below. It never gets old. There was so much dark, but the white light is what gave it its shape and form. The light is what made it worth looking at. The only reason I could see anything was because of the light. I thought about how big the city was and how there were so many areas I have never been to and may never go to. There are so many things to go, see and do wherever you live. Were there people ministering to God’s people in each area of the light? Who was and how did they get placed there? God’s appointed people minister right where they are and to whom God calls them to minister. Sometimes I think we miss that. Have you ever asked yourself, “What am I doing here?” Are you trying to accomplish too many things at once? Have you stopped for a second to think about what is most important at that moment and drop everything else to focus on what you are supposed to be doing? We have too many TO DO lists in our brain. Yesterday I went to Walgreens specifically for detergent and bleach. I bought a few other things I needed and forgot about the detergent and the bleach! When I got home and made my way to the laundry room I realized what I had forgotten. My focus seems to be in too many places sometimes. If I am rooted and grounded–that means super duper firm–in Christ, I should have a general idea of where my focus should be. I know mine, it is to “Shepherd My Flock” as God told me way back in April of 2003. When I get confused about which ministry path I am to take, where to say “yes” and where to say “no,” I turn back to God’s 3 words for me and FOCUS. Now, forgetfulness does come with age and children, so I am eating blueberries as I type to you at this very moment!
My senior daughter in high school has approximately 195 days until she leaves for college.
My sophomore daughter in high school has approximately 925 days until she leaves for college.
My fifth grade daughter in middle school has approximately 3,117 days until she leaves for college.
The time seems short. When is Jesus coming back? He says He is coming back soon? But how soon is that? I want to be ready. I am expectant. Is it today, tomorrow?
Luke 17:37 (NLT)
37 “Where will this happen, Lord?” the disciples asked.
Jesus replied, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.”
Matthew 24:28 (NLT)
28 Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.
Revelation 3:11 (NLT)
11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.
Revelation 22:7 (NLT)
7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.”
Revelation 22:12 (NLT)
12 “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.
Revelation 22:20 (NLT)
20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!”
Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!
Philippians 4:5 (NLT)
5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
1 Peter 4:7 (NLT)
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.
It really is a big world out there. I want to go every place God wants me to. I want to minister to the people He knows need me most even if it takes me away from my family for a few hours a week. I want to give lots of love to those people. God’s Word only gives us a little insight about the physical meaning of His time.
But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8
I have been talking with my teens, Shelley and Lillian, about this God time thing. We cannot understand. His ways are sometimes not understandable, but we know His ways are ALL GOOD. We’ve been through lots of hurts this year, but no doubt He will use them for HIS PURPOSE. We cling to that. We know our God. We know He is good and He loves His people, He wants us to put our LIGHT into everyone’s darkness. The light will shine through and permeate the darkness for we know that the enemy’s darkness cannot hide in the light of God.
And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness overcame it not. John 1:5
We are the hands and feet of that light. May we all tread through it as God’s warriors, on a mission in your mission field wherever that may be. You have a mission though you may not know it. Ask God what it is. He’s coming back for us but for now, let Him take you where He wishes.
I will love my girls for all those 4 thousand, 2 hundred and 37 days. They will pass so fast. I will do God’s work with them, without them and for them. That’s my light. The light we spread goes much farther than we will ever know. Spread yours for HIM.