(My boys throwing rocks in the creek)
God’s been teaching me some things lately (when is He not?!)
too...about time.
I detest wasting
time, yet I do it more often than I care to admit. It’s so easy to spend time. Once it’s spent, there’s no getting it
back. I have one life. There are no “do overs”. I need to be intentional. I need to spend my time wisely, doing the
things He’s called me to do.
“…lead a life
worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1
I make excuses. I look at life circumstances. I get caught up in the daily things of life and lose sight of heaven. I waste the time God has given me.
Sure there is a time and place for relaxation and
leisure. But more often I want to be busy,
kind of like my boys, full of energy and zest, rarely sitting still. Not for busyness sake, nor for the world’s
admiration. I think sometimes in our
culture people seek to be busy in order to appear fulfilled and in an attempt
to prove their life matters. I don’t
want to be busy just to be busy. I simply want to live intentionally, doing the
work He’s called me to. I want to say, “Watch
this, Lord” as I seek to obey Him, desiring to please and honor Him with my
life. I want to look ahead to eternity
and the rewards awaiting there. Not striving in my own power, but living in His.
When I do sit, I want it to be in His presence, building
relationship with Him. Not only for our
relationship sake, although that is important, but also so I can teach my sons
how to do the same. They follow in my
footsteps, even more closely than my two year old follows big brother’s. And I’m finding that my sphere of influence
is even greater than I originally thought, reaching far beyond the confines of
my home walls. The world is watching…my
friends, neighbors, loved ones, even acquaintances. I want
them to see Him in me. I want to follow
His every move, to imitate Him as I build relationships with others. The only way I can do this is by getting to
know Him intimately, being still before Him in prayer and Bible study. It takes time. But that is never wasted time.
I want to listen as He says, “Look at this” when I’m in
His Word. Or “Watch this” as He clearly displays
His glory in my very ordinary day and life.
Then, I can give Him adequate thanks and praise.
My time here is so short, fleeting. It won’t be long before this season has
passed. I don’t want to just spend time,
I want to cease every opportunity! And I
believe God takes notice of it. It matters.
Maybe this post is only for me, but I wonder if there are
others out there who feel convicted about wasting their God given time. How about you? Are you living a life worthy of your calling,
living intentionally? Maybe it’s time to
make some changes. Maybe you need to let
go of some excuses. Maybe you need to
take some time today to seek after Him and His best for you. I will do the same. Because that is never a waste of time!
“…Stay away
from believers who live idle lives…” II
Thessalonians 3:6
A short story:
Next Saturday I will be at ReNEWed Life Women’s Event. Just a few months ago, this event didn’t
exist and, as far as I know, nothing like it has ever taken place in our small
community. My friend, Jill, and I had
helped organize a big women’s retreat in a larger town an hour and a half from
home for a few years. Although it was
such a blessing, at different times, each of us had felt God leading us to step
off that leadership team. One day afterwards, we discussed a prompting in
our hearts to “do something” for the women right here in our rural community. Normally,
women around here would have to drive 1½ to 3 hours to attend a women’s
conference. As we prayed about it, the Lord clearly opened
doors for National Speaker and Author Lisa Whittle to come to our rural area, small
town Cresco, Iowa.
I’m leaving out many details and many displays of God’s
faithfulness. But the reason I am
sharing this, is to share this point: no matter who you are or where you are,
God can use you if you are obedient and willing to do the work. Do not waste time making excuses or looking
at life circumstances, your lack of ability, resources or talent. He will do things beyond your wildest
imagination if you seek after His will and trust Him. I can hardly wait to watch Him display His
glory (again) next Saturday at this women’s event that two farmer’s wives and
others in rural Iowa envisioned at His prompting! And we will give Him all the praise and glory!
Such a good post Rachel! I am so guilty of wasting time...no wonder it drives me crazy when J.D. dilly dallies! Honestly God has been convicting me of this lately...in a way it will be good for school to start, it mandates more discipline from me.
ReplyDeleteI loved your closing story as well...great reminder that we have no idea how GOD will work, but HE does! Our obedience brings blessing and provision, so looking forward to all He will do next week. I can't believe it's all here! I'm so grateful to walk this road with you; I am blessed. Thank you for being a wonderful sister in Christ...your wisdom, insight and encouragement mean more than you'll ever know!
See you soon,
Love, Jill