2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Over the years I've tried all kinds of hobbies from silk flower arrangements to stained glass art. And even though I've enjoyed almost every hobby I've tried, only one seems to stand the test of time, namely crocheting. When I was a young girl my mother sat me down and taught me the basics. I began with making a simple chain and soon moved on to single, double and triple crochet. Soon I was making scarves, hats and blankets. It amazed me how a simple, seemingly useless length of yarn could be transformed into things people use every day!
I also loved the basket of yarn my mother gave me. It was full of every different color you could imagine. Some were very beautiful and some I didn't really care for, but I kept every last bit. In time I would end up using all of it and often found myself searching for yarn sales to replenish my stock.
I realize now that my life has a lot of parallels to the art of crochet. Some days I feel like the "not so pretty" yarn that's settled to the bottom of the basket. Other days I feel right on top! Maybe you can relate? I'm learning though, that wherever I find myself, or however I feel on any given day, God has a plan for me. And just as I cherished every scrap of yarn my mother gave me, God cherishes each and every one of us. He has a purpose for each of us and He will never forsake us.
So what's my challenge in all of this? When I find myself on the bottom of the basket and I've lost sight of God's purpose for me, I need to wait on the Lord and trust my time will come. I also need to be ready and willing to fulfill my purpose when the Lord calls me. I can prepare myself through prayer and studying God's word. And just as the yarn bends, twists and turns in the crafter's hands, I need to be equally flexible and willing to follow God's lead wherever it may take me. I need to trust and obey. I need to be fit enough to be tied. Are you?
~Up Close and Personal~
Do you ever have days where nothing you try seems to work out quite right?
Do you often find yourself wondering if God would ever choose to use you?
Has it ever occurred to you that you really only need just one thing to serve God and his kingdom? What do you think that one thing is?
It all comes down to this. You need a willing heart. If you would only put your own agenda aside and decide to follow God’s lead, He would supply you with everything else needed to become a faithful, effective servant for His kingdom. Not sure you’re able to offer Him your whole heart? Ask Him for help! It is His will that you would follow Him.
~Name It~
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 aloud.
Why is it so important to wholeheartedly serve God?
It is our calling. Our very purpose here on earth is to glorify God. This verse also implies that we have been created with a desire for goodness and the work of faith and power. So if our very purpose is to glorify God through our service to Him and the desire to do just that is hard-wired into us, how fulfilling must that be?! Fulfilling our God given destiny has got to be the ultimate reward any child of Christ could ask for!
~Claim It~
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that you would help me to give you my whole heart in willing service. Help me fulfill my calling; the very purpose you created and designed me to fulfill. Help me embrace your plan for my life. Help me trust in you to provide me with all I’ll ever need to glorify you! Thank you Father, for allowing me to take part in the building of your glorious kingdom!
In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
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