B E H I N D / T H E / B A R

Mother Theresa was asked one time “How did God call you to serve the poor?”  Her answer . . . “I was not called to serve the poor, rather I was called to serve Jesus and He led me here.” 

If anyone knows me, they know I’m a big dreamer.  Sometimes I can get carried away with “what if” thoughts.  As fun as that is, I’ve often had to be reminded that my ultimate purpose in life isn’t to fulfill all of those big dreams.  My purpose is to serve Jesus.  Live my life for His pleasure.  If He wants me to fulfill everyone of those dreams or half of them or only one of them, or to simply just dream with wide eyed wonder of what could be, then that’s my purpose. 

I know of so many people who spend their lives striving to do something great.  They want to reach the masses, stand on a platform in front of thousands, leave a lasting legacy.  Please don’t hear me saying that there’s anything wrong with that. I believe it simply needs to pass through the filter of “what do you want from me Jesus?”  Those same people can get discouraged and down right frustrated at the monotony of their everyday lives.  They get up everyday but there are no masses, there is no platform, and a legacy seems not even remotely possible. 

I wonder what would happen if the follower of Christ were to sincerely pray “Jesus how can I serve you today?”  I wonder what would happen if we watched for Him to answer that prayer?  I just have a feeling that our perspective on what we are doing with our lives would change.  It might be that we find we are far more effective in our day to day lives, than we could ever be on the stage, or among the masses. 

Try it.  Pray that simple prayer today, and then . . . wait to see how He answers.  You may be surprised what adventure that little prayer may open to your life. 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24

I’d love for you to send me a story, or a challenging thought that I can share here, each week.  The only two guidelines are that it has to be under 500 words, and it has to be an encouraging or thought provoking message.  Send it to shannon@riverchurch.me.