In order to get the most out of this post, I encourage you to go back in the Archives to my previous post, "What Is My Purpose? Part I"...
Theologians have debated forever on the exact number of days that Jesus' ministry lasted here on earth. The Bible says that Jesus participated in three Passovers during his ministry, which some believe that made his ministry three years. Others argue it was more like two or two and half since he ended his ministry with the last supper.
Anyway, let's be conservative and say Jesus' ministry lasted for at least two years. That's 730 days. In the Bible there are 37 documented miracles...that's 37 jaw dropping days. So, what was Jesus doing the other 693 days??
Before I get to that, let me share what Jesus said (during his ministry) is the Greatest Commandment.
" 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind.'" This is the first and greatest commandment and the second one is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-40)
Now, if you'll let me digress even further, let me share with you my journal entry from one day in July (I do have a purpose in all this)...
July 29, 2016
Today I came upon an old WWJD bracelet of (my daughters) while I was cleaning. I was called to pray and asked Jesus what He would have Me do this day? His answer was GBJ???? I wondered what He meant. It came to me: Go....Be...Jesus (GBJ) - the greatest commandment (as written above).
I didn't have to jump on a plane to Kenya, but I did jump in my car and it knew just where to go...Starbucks. I felt giddy. I scribbled "Jesus loves you." on my business card. I paid for the car behind me in the drive through and asked the sweet barista to give the driver my card. I was smiling.
Next stop...Trader Joe's. I headed for the person who dishes out the samples. Her name tag said "Nikki" so I called her by name. After the swarm of vultures grabbed her goodies and departed, I lingered to talk with her while she cooked up the next batch.
It didn't take long to learn that she was a single mom struggling to make ends meet. I had been a single mom too. I listened...I empathized...I encouraged...and I gave her a hug (yes, I'm a hugger). Before I left I asked what specifically I could pray for her?
While working from home, I took a few minutes to write some thank you notes to people. I was actually nice and pleasant to the A/C guy who hadn't called me back for a few days. When I said, "You must be really busy with the oppressive heat we've been having..." He took it as an invitation to vent a little. Here he was trying to help people and all he got in return were nasty complainers.
This all happened before 10 am. In the afternoon I took a short break from work, made myself a cup of coffee, read God's word, and watched the finches at the bird feeder. I watched three of these gloriously yellow creatures and their intricate dance with each other...What if I lived every day like this??
A day in the life of me...I didn't set the world on fire. I didn't win any awards. I didn't get any offers to publish my story. I didn't do anything worthy of a news headline.
This was simply one of those six hundred ninety three days.
Jesus knocked people's socks off 37 times out of 730 days. I don't even begin to liken myself to Jesus, so let's say I do 3 noteworthy things in 730 days. What is my purpose the other 727 days?? I think Jesus would say "Go be like me."
So what does that look like?? In the majority of His days when He wasn't performing miracles, He was eating meals with friends, hanging out and talking to the dregs of society, walking and talking with people along dusty roads, washing others' feet, asking questions, listening, even weeping with those who wept.
He loved and talked with His Father...He loved on others in very practical ways...He even took time for himself by drawing away from society to pray, renew, and refresh.
I have gotten so hung up on my purpose having to be something big and awesome and impressive for God.
Yes, I've dreamed of publishing a book, going on a mission trip, being a widely followed blogger. Not discounting God, I'm realizing that many of the things on my "Big Purpose For God Bucket List" simply may not happen...and that's okay.
I am what my friend, Nancy, calls a plodding blogger. I am not an elite blogger, but in my blog I've shared my struggles through divorce and with anxiety and depression, and you know what? I've been blessed to be able to walk with a few other women who are, or who have traveled these same paths. Perhaps my words have deeply touched a few. I am learning to be okay with this.
I've also had to take a long hard look at my motivation behind my "Purpose Bucket List". The first glaringly amiss word is "my".
In searching for "My Purpose" I was actually wrestling with good old-fashioned pride...ouch!
I had to ask "WHY" did I want to do all these things? Were they for God's glory or for my own?
I had to ask myself, "Am I earnestly seeking purpose or am I earnestly seeking HIM?"
Yes, some people are called to write books, speak in front of groups, do wonderful things through missions and ministry, but the fact of the matter is that we still have to live those other 693 days.
I believe that's where God would have us focus. If He can trust us with the "small" everyday stuff, we may get a chance in the big leagues to have a jaw-dropping, walk on water, raise someone from the dead kind of day?!
Meanwhile, I truly believe my greatest purpose and calling is:
This was simply one of those six hundred ninety three days.
Jesus knocked people's socks off 37 times out of 730 days. I don't even begin to liken myself to Jesus, so let's say I do 3 noteworthy things in 730 days. What is my purpose the other 727 days?? I think Jesus would say "Go be like me."
So what does that look like?? In the majority of His days when He wasn't performing miracles, He was eating meals with friends, hanging out and talking to the dregs of society, walking and talking with people along dusty roads, washing others' feet, asking questions, listening, even weeping with those who wept.
He loved and talked with His Father...He loved on others in very practical ways...He even took time for himself by drawing away from society to pray, renew, and refresh.
I have gotten so hung up on my purpose having to be something big and awesome and impressive for God.
Yes, I've dreamed of publishing a book, going on a mission trip, being a widely followed blogger. Not discounting God, I'm realizing that many of the things on my "Big Purpose For God Bucket List" simply may not happen...and that's okay.
I am what my friend, Nancy, calls a plodding blogger. I am not an elite blogger, but in my blog I've shared my struggles through divorce and with anxiety and depression, and you know what? I've been blessed to be able to walk with a few other women who are, or who have traveled these same paths. Perhaps my words have deeply touched a few. I am learning to be okay with this.
I've also had to take a long hard look at my motivation behind my "Purpose Bucket List". The first glaringly amiss word is "my".
In searching for "My Purpose" I was actually wrestling with good old-fashioned pride...ouch!
I had to ask "WHY" did I want to do all these things? Were they for God's glory or for my own?
I had to ask myself, "Am I earnestly seeking purpose or am I earnestly seeking HIM?"
Yes, some people are called to write books, speak in front of groups, do wonderful things through missions and ministry, but the fact of the matter is that we still have to live those other 693 days.
I believe that's where God would have us focus. If He can trust us with the "small" everyday stuff, we may get a chance in the big leagues to have a jaw-dropping, walk on water, raise someone from the dead kind of day?!
Meanwhile, I truly believe my greatest purpose and calling is:
To love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul,
with all my strength, and with all my mind.
To love my neighbor
and
To love myself.
God wants me to live and walk humbly with a contrite heart. That, I believe is my purpose. When I keep my eyes focused on Him (and not on "my" purpose) in the everydayness, that's when He might call upon me for one of those "37 days" miracles.
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to walk simply with humility and a contrite heart. Enable me to find my purpose simply in being yours and being called your child. Open my eyes that I may have three great loves: You, my neighbor, and myself (you delight when I take care of myself). Enable me to squelch the enemy's lies when he whispers - that I am not worthy, that I'm not doing enough, that you are disappointed in me. Let me take pleasure in the small things I can do with your great big love. If it pleases you, Lord, to use me in bigger ways, then I will be glad, but let my heart always be first and foremost for YOU! In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Be blessed...
ps. There are many children like Sunana who still need sponsors. Many are on the waiting list. Just $15/month will give them a chance at new life. RCF, Inc. is helping...
Beautiful post, Bev. Just loved the look into one of your days and how you let Jesus lead you to bless others and in turn to see how that blessed you too.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, that pride...the "me"...oh how I recognize that...but in the humbling and surrender to His purpose for us there's so much more joy waiting for us, isn't there? I'm still on a daily learning journey with this...thankful He keeps convicting my heart where it needs to be.
As my husband put it something like this yesterday: "Anna, if just one person is helped by your book, then that should be enough: that's one person, one human being who truly matters." I'm learning that publishing my book has been more about refining my heart! If you've read Come With Me by Suzanne Eller, you'll recognize this in the story of Simon Peter, who obeyed Jesus' call to go out into the deep and fish again, even though Peter thought he knew better as an experienced fisher. As Suzanne points out, it wasn't even about the fish, it was about the obedience and heart change to Simon Peter...about him learning Him to love the Lord His God with all of His being, even when pride made him "feel" like he knew better than Jesus. Oh yes, I can so identify with Simon Peter and so am SO encouraged by how Jesus doesn't give up on him, but keeps tilling his heart...just as He has been doing with mine.
Love what you share here...Thank You Jesus for teaching us Your freeing Truth: that all we yearn for is found in serving and honoring You.
Anna,
DeleteAmen that all we yearn for is found in serving and honoring You! Your husband sounds like a wise man. I would ditto his thoughts. We live our lives for an audience of One, but if even one other life is touched well then to God be the glory. Humbling and surrender are key in finding our purpose. My thoughts, this week, kept coming back to how God loves a humble and contrite heart. When my heart is so, I am better able to yield to His directing...not my own. Thank you, as always, for your great insights!!
Blessings,
Bev
This is the kind of post that inspires me the most, Bev. It's not filled with "big" things by the world's standards, yet it is filled with the most important things! God bless you for all the good things you did. Whenever we show love to another human being, we are showing God. And he deserves to be seen by everybody. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
DeleteI shared these things, not to toot my own horn, but just to show what God can do through us on an ordinary day if we will just let Him. Swapping out the "world's" standards for God's standards is life-giving. Glad you found encouragement here.
Blessings,
Bev
Bev, my week's been busy, so I finally got by here to read both parts together. What a beautiful testimony. Love the emphasis on the "other" days. Ministry is often in the unseen...the seemingly insignificant. Such a good word today, my friend. Thank you for your vulnerability. (( xoxo ))
ReplyDeleteBrenda,
DeleteYes, learning to live in the unseen and the seemingly insignificant. I know others have helped me get through the day by a kind word or just by listening. In God's economy...sometimes less is more. Thanks for holding my heart gently my friend,
Blessings,
Bev xoxo
This is beautiful! I am so glad that God brought you to these thoughts! I have had some of those same questions that you raised, and that's when the Lord led me to Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, o man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" You lived out each of those traits, all before 10 that morning! And I believe that is the BIG thing that brings God glory. I am still learning how to walk humbly with Him, and to lay my questions at His feet. Thank you for the great encouragement you have offered here today!!
ReplyDeleteBettie,
DeleteI love that verse from Micah as well...again the theme of walking humbly with God. We are ALL continually learning to walk humbly. Our flesh is selfish, but God calls us to a higher, more joyful purpose of walking humbly with Him. On this journey with you, Bettie!!
Blessings,
Bev
Hurray for all those who graciously and humbly give of themselves each day--out of the spotlight: moms and dads who take their parenting responsibilities seriously, teachers who give so much time and effort to the welfare of their students, missionaries risking their lives, volunteers who donate hours of time, anonymous philanthropists who shun the glory that could be theirs...the list is long. They ARE serving divine purpose. May they experience the satisfaction and sheer joy you've highlighted here, Bev, as they GBJ. As for me, I agree with you wholeheartedly: GBJ is a highly-worthy purpose for our days--whether those "big" dreams ever come true or not! P.S. For the record: author and blogger, Tim Challies, is the one who coined that phrase, "plodding blogger."
ReplyDeleteNancy,
DeleteThanks for clarifying who coined that phrase. I join with you in celebrating the unsung heroes that simply go about their days serving their divine purpose. There is likely not a spotlight shining on them, but God sees their hearts and He is glorified through their actions. I am learning more and more that my purpose simply, yet powerfully is Go Be Jesus. Always love your insights, Nancy!
Blessings,
Bev
Thank you, Bev. The appreciation is mutual! :-)
DeleteFriend, I needed this reminder today to keep doing the next thing -- God honors the next step of faith whether it's into a big and visible ministry or into the kitchen to make a meal for my family. Joining with you today in embracing the call of God whatever it may be.
ReplyDeleteMichele,
DeleteYes, just keep doing the next thing. God promises to be a lamp unto our feet...showing us where to place our next step...He doesn't shed a broad spotlight on our future. Great point!!
Blessings,
Bev
All the yeses for this post. I am also in a season of seeking my purpose even though if I look deep and inquire of God, it is right there in front of me. I know in some ways I am looking for the next big thing because I see others around me who are almost touching that brass ring.
ReplyDeleteThere are many days as you described that nothing spectacular is happening but it isn't a reflection that we are not following our purpose. Many times it is the ordinary, ho hum days that seem to be the most extraordinary. Thank you for reminding me that God has me where He wants me and as I keep seeking Him and sharing Him, I am doing exactly what I should be doing. Hugs!
Mary,
DeleteI thought of you a lot when writing this post. Sometimes the next "big" thing is something small in the world's economy, but HUGE in God's eyes. I am finding, more and more, that I need to keep shifting back into God's perspective on things and let go of the world's. I know that God is going to great and small things through you, but most of all they will be done in love!!
Blessings and ((hugs)),
Bev
I'm a "plodding blogger" too, Bev. You made me smile with that one. I think we're both called to live and work and write for God's glory, in the small daily things.
ReplyDeleteBetsy,
DeleteWelcome to the "plodding bloggers" club. Oh the people you ARE reaching through your blog...yes, writing for GOD'S glory and not our own.
Blessings,
Bev
Love this: God wants me to live and walk humbly with a contrite heart. That, I believe is my purpose. When I keep my eyes focused on Him (and not on "my" purpose) in the everydayness, that's when He might call upon me for one of those "37 days" miracles.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful truth for today, Bev. Hugs to you, my sweet "plodding blogger" friend.
Sarah,
DeleteWe are all in this boat together. I am learning more and more in my older age that walking humbly with a contrite heart is key. You are doing a mighty and good work through your blog. I know others are truly being blessed through your writing!!
Blessings sweet friend,
Bev
Oh my, Bev! I so resonate with this and have recently struggled to be a plodding blogger. It gets tiring, especially when I focus on "my" goals and not on God's purposes. He keeps reminding me that I am His vessel and not the other way around! ;) Thank you for your words of encouragement, my friend. I needed them today.
ReplyDeleteBeth,
DeleteOh that nasty word..."MY". I, too, get caught up in MY goals and in the process I miss God's purpose for me. Joining with you in being vessels together for God to use for His Glory.
Blessings,
Bev
I get discouraged a lot on this journey. I use to believe I knew what my purpose for life was, until it drastically changed. I'm not sure I've recovered, but I am finally coming to a place where I lift my hands, palms up, allowing God to show me the next step.
ReplyDeleteBarbie,
DeleteI believe you are right where God wants all of us to be - in a place where with lift our hands, palms up and lay our will upon God's altar. If we think we know the way too well, chances are we're not walking on His path. Praying for you sweet sister.
Blessings,
Bev