Whatever the suffering we might be experiencing as a consequence for following our own way instead of God’s way, the promise of God still extends to us: If we will recommit our lives to Him; if we will serve Him; if we will do things His way; if we will look at life through His eyes; then God promises to restore the years we have lost: “the years that the locust hath eaten”.
By example and precept Jesus stated the purpose of a purpose driven life for all of His followers for all time. Our purpose is to glorify God.
Our clothing consists of hearts that are tender and filled with compassion displaying mercy; human-kindness that overflows to meet the needs of others; a humble preference to put others first; a meek, spirit-controlled temperament; and the willingness to go the distance with others without complaint—these are the new clothes.
The story of the shepherd seeking his lost sheep became very, very real to me that night, and I’m not ashamed to admit that those stupid lost hens brought me to tears of humility. Do we not do the same to our Heavenly Father? He shows us green fields, and we race back to the emptiness of what’s familiar… even those with years of experience in walking with God, we can be caught unawares. All of us, at some time or another, stray away from God’s best, and need the Shepherd to come find us.
God already knows the state of our thoughts and hearts, but many times we do not. By His “searching” and “testing” it is revealed to us what we are truly like…
When Jesus calls you/me into ministry (any kind of ministry; Romans 12:4-8), what will be our response?
Will we immediately make the step of faith? Or will we hold back (making the usual excuses)?
When Jesus makes the call, do we have our minds set for service?
Reflections in The WORD 