I was cleaning out the basement a few weeks ago and found an old journal of mine. After reading a few pages, it would seem that all I ever did back in 2007 was think about Jesus, talk about Jesus, read about Jesus and write about Jesus. A lot was going on in my life back then for sure: I had just married Ashley, I was a first year apprentice electrician, I was cranking through the Bible and deciding where I stood on heavy theological positions. I was also writing down prayers, leading people to Christ, and playing in one of the worship bands at The Rock.
One thing that really stuck out to me in that old journal was a prayer that I had written down for a co-worker named Joe. I prayed that God would save his marriage and reveal Himself to Joe and that he would become a Christian. I didn’t know Joe that well and I don’t even remember praying for him. It took me by surprise to see how full of faith I was back then! I hate to say it, but I don’t pray for all of my co-workers like that anymore. That journal kind of knocked me back on my heels. It made me feel ashamed that I’m not doing as many things for the Lord as I used to.
My mind started spinning with sobering thoughts. “Do I even remember the last time I led someone to Christ?” or “When was the last time one of the guys I’ve led to Christ stuck around?” I felt poured out and used up by God. I felt like He must be through with me and that the days of Him using me to do good things for Him were long gone.
Have you ever been in that place? Have you ever felt like God was done using you? Like your “Christian glory days” were over? Christian, I just want to encourage with what God’s Word really says about our labor for Him and His church (not what you might be believing).
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Do you believe this? Do you walk like you’re the pencil line on a big page of “dot to dot”, looking for the next good thing that God has prepared for you to do for Him, His kingdom or His church? You should.
I can sure grow in this — we all can. We shouldn’t do it thinking we’ll earn favor with God so that He’ll accept us (that’s not what that verse says). Jesus already took care of that. We should do it because we are His workmanship and we were created in Christ for the good works He has prepared for us to do.
Looking for the next good thing,
Billy
Posted in A Word from the Pastor