Have you ever felt as if life was like a lottery ticket? You know, where some people get a winning ticket and others don't? If we truly think we’re made in the image of God and that he has a plan for our lives, then surely we can expect more from life than mere chance.
Because I read a lot of leadership/organization books, I am overwhelmed with what some might call a Humanistic mind-set that teaches, "If it's to be, it's up to me." Even today I read in Scripture where a godly leader told one of his "departments" to work hard to achieve their desired results (Joshua 17:15-18). On the other hand, I desire to be able to look back at my life and clearly see where the hand of God "directed my steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
So, which is it?
We should be living a life that clearly expresses our faith in Jesus Christ to provide for and protect our lives. I want to be a part of something greater than myself. I believe we all do. The difference is some have accepted the notion that they don't have the winning ticket; therefore, they just endure life quietly and make the most of what they have.
With all that I read in the Bible, I see many instances where God used ordinary men and women to complete extraordinary tasks. All of them were minding their own business and then God challenged them to do something beyond their ability. Here are a few observations:
Because I read a lot of leadership/organization books, I am overwhelmed with what some might call a Humanistic mind-set that teaches, "If it's to be, it's up to me." Even today I read in Scripture where a godly leader told one of his "departments" to work hard to achieve their desired results (Joshua 17:15-18). On the other hand, I desire to be able to look back at my life and clearly see where the hand of God "directed my steps" (Proverbs 16:9).
So, which is it?
We should be living a life that clearly expresses our faith in Jesus Christ to provide for and protect our lives. I want to be a part of something greater than myself. I believe we all do. The difference is some have accepted the notion that they don't have the winning ticket; therefore, they just endure life quietly and make the most of what they have.
With all that I read in the Bible, I see many instances where God used ordinary men and women to complete extraordinary tasks. All of them were minding their own business and then God challenged them to do something beyond their ability. Here are a few observations:
- They didn't see the final result, thus requiring TOTAL faith in God for the outcome.
- They had real good excuses why they couldn't do what He was asking.
- Some argued with God.
- What they were asked to do required hard work and effort on their part.
- Most tasks required a public display of their faith in God.
- Some had to deal with difficult people.
- Some encountered set-backs/"failures" along the way.
- The outcome of most tasks resulted in helping others (not themselves).
So, how about you? Are you waiting for a winning ticket? If so, I'm afraid you might be waiting for a long time. My encouragement to you is instead of waiting, start looking. Looking for what God is doing around us. Jesus said that He could only do what He saw the Father doing. Let's take that same approach and see what God can do with our lives. It has to be a better option compared to what you have now.
Amen...I am serving GOD without a lottery ticket, but I have the "winning ticket" and HIS name is JESUS!!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayers, andrea
PS: Great post!!