We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews 6:11-12)
You want to be intentional. You want to use your God-given abilities to bless someone—to make a difference. But other than the stack of biographies on your nightstand about people who sacrificed everything, and then were used powerfully by God to rescue children, minister to prison inmates, start an orphanage and rescue slaves, who are you to look up to?
It seems like most missionaries we read about leave home against the advice of their friends and family and then God uses them in incredible ways. Does that mean that you need to tell your mentors that you’re not listening to them anymore and get up and go?
I don’t think so. I have watched so many individuals and families do seemingly crazy things. Are they amazing? Yes! Did they seek the will of the Lord, family and friends beforehand? Yes! Did everyone agree? Probably not. Is their journey going to always be easy? Um, no. And is this way of life right for everyone? Absolutely not.
God uses us in our weakness. He uses us when we are drawn to Him, seeking him, depending on him. Paul encourages us to show diligence, to not forget the full assurance of hope that we have. What you do today may not seem groundbreaking, but be diligent in it. The results of our laboring for Christ will not be fully manifested today, or tomorrow, or next week. The real Hope is coming. Just because you may not see the manifestation of His work in you in full until His return does not mean that you should slack, slow down and get lazy.
Breathe deep, rest well, our responsibility is great. “Be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Who are these people? The faithful ones, the patient ones. Have you seen them? They may be quieter, but they are steady. Patient and faithful. Let us imitate them.
This devotional piece was adapted by the author herself from a blog post she wrote on Oct. 2, 2014.
Reflection Questions
- What Big Hopes and dreams to make a difference do you have? Where did those dreams come from?
- Who are those people in your life who may not be doing crazy-things, but who are doing faithful-things? How might you intentionally seek them out and learn from them?
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