A Promise to Hold on To
Busy Monday. I actually didn’t attend any meetings or even go to the fitness center. But it seemed like I got a lot of “functional” exercise in tilling the garden, trimming a tree, mowing the grass and getting the sprinkler system turned on and making several trips up and down stairs. I think last fall was the latest I turned my sprinkler system off and this spring this is latest in the season I turned it on. (picture of our friends Rod and Jenni Carlson of Living Logos Ministries)
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, Your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of Your hands.” Psalm 138:8 HCSB
Many years ago Rick Warren wrote, “The Purpose Driven Life.” The has sold millions of copies and has encouraged people all over the world, that they are born for a purpose. That this world is not all about “you” but about God accomplishing His purpose through you.
The verse above is the last verse of this psalm of David. The verse just before this affirmation declares, “If I walk into the thick of danger, You will preserve my life from the anger of my enemies. You will extend Your hand; Your right hand will save me.” (Psalm 138:7 HCSB)
The fulfillment of God’s purpose may not be “smooth sailing.” Often stepping into God’s purpose and seeing His work in our life is a journey; sometimes a journey of “trial and error.” There can be frustration and questioning along the way. But we can be confident in God’s faithfulness to guide our life.
I think of my friend Rod Carlson, who with his wife Jenni for the last fourteen years have been challenging people to memorize God’s Word through dramatic presentations of memorized scripture. (http://livinglogos.org/Welcome.html) Rod had a career that involved radio broadcasting and serving as a pastor. When they accepted God’s call into a new phase of ministry, it launched them into a direction that they never would have anticipated.
I even think of how Jenni found herself, “pushed” into the presentation of reciting scripture while on a missions trip. She shares how the scripture presentations were “Rod’s thing” and she saw herself in a supporting role. Now Jenni has memorized several passages of scripture including the Book of Ruth and Esther. It is great to see God’s purpose being fulfilled in the lives of our long time friends in a powerful and effective way.
I am thankful for what I have observed in my own life. I started out as a high business teacher and coach, served almost 28 years on pastoral ministry and then served in the Colorado Legislature, while filling the role of executive director of Teen Challenge of the Rocky Mountains. Now through a health crisis, I have found doors of opportunity and influence in ways that I would never have imagined.
I am conducting Sunday chapel services at some local assisted living facilities. One of those services takes place in a memory care unit. There is a lady resident who is always sharply dressed, very pleasant and alert. The last time I was there I had a copy of my book, so I took time to just show some of the pictures to her and tell my story in that way. He comment to me was, “it looks like you have a lot to live for!” I thought, “wow, I didn’t expect that kind of response!” But it challenged me about the importance of living for God’s purpose.
David declares his confidence in God’s purpose being fulfilled because, “God’s love is eternal.” God doesn’t give up on us and He will not “abandon the work of His hands.” God has made us and created us for a purpose….”His purpose.” There is no greater joy or satisfaction that can be found than to sense God is fulfilling His purpose in your life.
Prayer for today… “Lord, thank you for the assurance that you will fulfill your purpose for me. Even when challenges arise and frustrations clouds the light of your presence, allow me to know that you are working through your love, grace and presence in my life. Allow me to see change and new opportunities as a way for you to fulfill your on-going purpose in my life. Thank you for Your love and faithfulness to me.”