Sometimes I wish I could look upon all your faces because, honestly, the life of a writer can be demanding and isolating – in a word, lonely. I stare endlessly at a computer screen and piles upon piles of printed notes. The occasional face-to-face meeting is such a welcome change that I inevitably dress up, even if those I’m meeting are in jeans.
Meanwhile, my two sons and many of my friends are preparing for mission trips. Some of my dearest friends issued an invitation to join them in the Asian jungle. One woman I know has a regular prayer meeting in her home for our country. Others participate in Bible studies or serve regularly at outreaches.
You’ll usually find me at my computer.
My heart yearns to reach the world for Christ, so in a deep blue funk, I recently pleaded, “Lord, please put me in a position to serve You more effectively!” This was my cry for a very miserable couple of weeks while I felt as if I watched opportunities pass me by.
My work wasn’t much of a joy through all this. I often felt overwhelmed and underequipped. But then, in one of those still moments as I reflected upon the work before me, I heard the Lord say, “You’re right where I want you to be.”
That caught me off guard. How can I, Little Miss Isolationist, be right where God wants me to be? But then I thought about it: The very qualities that my clients appreciate about me – my commitment to excellence, my work ethic, my good attitude, my genuine concern for my colleagues – are all reflections of Christ within me.
Though I am not obnoxious about my faith in dealing with my clients, I am overtly Christian. I ask about their families. I make mental notes about areas in which they need prayer. I let them know I pray for them.
And perhaps, when their worlds fall apart – which they will, because it happens to all of us – they will come to me for counsel, and I can speak God’s truth into their hearts. Perhaps.
The same is true for you, the young mom whose life revolves around feedings, sleep schedules and endless heaps of laundry. And for you, the schoolteacher whose faith must remain veiled in the classroom but who aches inside for the lostness she sees daily. And for you, the sandwich generation mom torn between caring for children to caring for an elderly parent. And for you, the working dad whose days are filled with job responsibilities and honey-do lists. And you, the retiree whose declining health limits his energy and availability.
Young mom, cherish this time of imparting Christ upon your loved ones, and take Him with you to the grocery store, the pediatrician’s office and the playground. To the teacher, know that your nurturing heart speaks volumes of your otherwise silent faith in Christ. Dear sandwich mom, know it is Christ bringing encouragement through you as you minister so tirelessly to your husband and children and so tenderly to your aged parent. Dear husband and father, be assured your light is shining before men so that others may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:33). Precious retiree, as your light fades, let His light grow ever brighter before the doctor who cares for you, the man who delivers the oxygen to your home and the home healthcare nurse who visits you regularly.
The people in your sphere of influence may never know another Christian. You may be the only Jesus they ever see. Go bold. Go bright. All the way to the end, no matter where you are. Think supernova. The only limitation on our effectiveness for Christ is our willingness to be used of Him in any and every situation.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. – 1 Peter 3:15
Today I prayed extensively over a story I was assigned to write. I wanted the Lord to inspire me and to let His handprint be evident in my work. My client was moved to tears by my work. By the power of the One who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, I was able to exceed the client’s greatest hopes. Solo deo gloria.
Yes, Lord, I do believe I’m right where you want me. And when it’s time to move on, let me be moved by You.
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