 Have you ever realized that you were doing something good and honorable for all the wrong reasons? It’s a very humbling experience.
Years ago I was asked to be president of the Women’s Ministries group at our church. It took a few years, but later I realized that my endeavors in this role had started out all wrong. There were warning signs, but, in my inexperience, I didn’t see them. I accepted the position because it was offered to me. I assumed that since they asked me to take this leadership position they must have thought I had the skills and ability to do the job. My husband and I were fairly new to the church and the other women of the church didn’t know me well enough to know if I could fill the position. The church was not very large. I didn’t realize that others had taken their turn and now they were down to me. I let others direct my course. I had no clear understanding of what outcomes were expected of me, or of the group. The Women’s Ministries functioned under old guidelines, rules and traditions. The group had not evaluated their values, or purpose. I’m sad to say that after several frustrating years, I stepped down from that position not knowing why we were floundering. I led without goals and action steps. I felt as if I were a huge failure, but at the same time the desire to learn how to become more effective for the Lord was born. When opportunities to attend women’s leadership seminars presented themselves, I attended whenever possible. I wanted to become a woman like the strong women of leadership in the Bible: Esther, Deborah and Lydia. I searched for women whose lives demonstrated aspiration to godly goals, and from whom I could learn how to obtain confidence and skills. I needed to learn from these mentors so I could progress in fulfilling the role God had for me. My goal was not to be a successful leader, but to be a woman of God who made a difference in the lives of other women. Slowly I was beginning to understand how to align my aspirations and desires with those of Christ. “Turn my heart to Your decrees and not to material gain. Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in Your ways.” Psalm 119:36-37 (HCSB)
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 Knowing the destination and the purpose for a family vacation brings excitement and anticipation. Not knowing the reason for the journey or the destination can lead to disappointment.
My husband and I love to travel by car on our vacations and getaways. We like short weekend excursions, and longer vacation times. However, early in our marriage we learned that our planning styles differ. He likes to let things happen, and I like to plan every detail. It took a few years, but we have learned to mesh these two ways of thinking so that we both enjoy our travels. First we usually have a particular reason for the trip, places we want go and things we want to see and do. Then we decide how long we can be away, and where we will spend the nights. Will we take our travel trailer, or will we stay in hotels? I make the appropriate reservations and then we agree that what happens throughout the trip will be an adventure. We have made some fun discoveries along the way with this plan. However, we had agreed on the purpose and destination of our journey before we left home. Jesus knew, before He left his heavenly home, the reason for his journey to earth. He came to do His Father’s Will. “And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” John 6:39 (KJV) And a verse we looked at previously: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me—nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:42 (HCSB) Jesus knew that he was born to die. He came to earth to take the punishment for my sins, so that one day I would be able to live with Him, forever in Heaven. He did this for each person who has ever lived. Jesus’ aspiration - to do the Father’s will. His purpose was to provide the way for people to have their relationship with the Heavenly Father restored. Years ago I decided that the purpose for my life’s journey would be to fulfill the Father’s will. I determined that I wanted to follow Christ in everything I did, in all of my ‘aspirations’. There is nothing more fulfilling than to discover what God’s will is, and then to accomplish it with confidence. There is no greater joy than surrendering to Him each day and being the best I can be through the strength He gives me. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) Dear Lord, I do not know what today’s journey has in store for me, but I rest in the knowledge that you know, and you will be with me giving me the courage and confidence to meet each challenge and adventure. My desire is to follow your steps, one at a time, and to do your will as you make it known to me. |
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