It’s been awhile. My last post was July 1 and at that time I was unsure whether I would ever post again. I’ve given myself some time to reassess my thoughts and have decided to post whenever I feel like I have something worth sharing. There will be (at this point) no more LinkedIn posts. While my views were over 300+, it was not a good place for my head. I began to write what would be acceptable or garner views vs writing from my heart. I’m still not sure how often or how long I will do this, but “ya gotta start somewhere!” I wrote this yesterday:
Mother Teresa is credited with saying,
God did not call me to be successful. He called me to be faithful. (quoted in Watching for the Morning by Risner-p.199)
I have struggled in the past of feeling like a failure. Like I’ve not made or had an impact. Lofty dreams that never panned out. Expectations of me and by me that fell apart. Moving from several churches (3) after being asked to leave. Serving a store front church that no longer exists (and probably never should have. There were 25 people when I went there and 40 when I left 16 months later). Laboring in unknown places (2). And yet God has shown me my usefulness and value and impact in spite of those experiences and feelings of inadequacy. Arrogance often got in the way. I admit that. As did my sin. God has truly taken the mess of my life and redeemed it…in spite of me! 🙂
To finish the thought of MT’s quote (from the same book and devotion):
If you would pray to do great things for your God, then you must pray such prayers with regard for how they should be answered.” (McKelvey- quoted by Risner-p.199)
While my dreams and aspirations didn’t materialize how I wanted them to, they turned out EXACTLY as God would have them. I’ve accepted that and I’m okay with that. I just want to finish well.
I’m so glad you’re back, Bill! Your presence has been sincerely missed. Yes, may our lives reflect the person that God intends us to be, not the one that we envision. Blessings always!
Thanks Martha. It is nice to be missed. May we always desire to be what He wants not what we envision for ourselves.
I too am glad you have decided to share. I am currently going through a season of deciding how I should proceed. I do know that the enemy wants more than anything for those making a difference to simply stop. What we often don’t know is the difference that is being made behind the scenes. We may not see the impact of our influence while here on earth but I suppose we may have an eternity in heaven to find out. Not that the reward should be our motivation, another soul saved by God’s grace should be. Love ya brother, welcome back!
Thanks Ryan. Strangely, it is good to be back in a limited capacity (not mentally thank you very much). 🙂 If you need a sounding board to talk over anything you know how to reach me my friend. But you are right: we have no idea the influence we have on people.
I love the quotes, because they are reminders that our success is not dependent on ourselves but on God. God never fails in what God wants to accomplish, so when we step out in faith and do what God calls us to do, we will be successful. We may or may not see all the fruits of that success, however we can trust God, and what an honor it is to be a part of God’s plans. To often we get caught up in wanting to see all the answers, to be able to see all the results, instead of just serving and resting in Gods hands that the success and glory all belongs to the Lord.
You nailed it Gail!
I feel like this is a season of unknowing. Not of unknowing God, but uncertainty. I am expecting SOMETHING, but what, I do not know.. But What I do know is that He has plans for me!
Those are exciting times but unsure at the same time.