(Psalms 2:11)
One of the spiritual tests God
allows us all to go through is serving Him, even when we don't feel like it.
How many days do you wake up, maybe not feeling well physically or dealing
with problems in your life, and serving the Lord is the last thing on your
mind. Sickness, of course, is one of the elements of this sin-filled world we
must all face in our life. One reason I talk so much about staying in
shape, eating the right things, not doing things that will harm your body,
is because we need to do all we can to insure we stay in the best health
possible. I also talk extensively about staying connected to the Lord on a
daily basis, having that intimate daily walk through the Word and through
prayer. These are also preventative things we can do to hopefully make good
choices throughout our day that keep us from getting into the types of
problems that can consume our life. The fact is, however, we won't always
feel our best. We will be facing the day-to-day problems of life. The test
is to serve God despite what we are dealing with in our own life.
I have been so fortunate all my life. Other than sports-related injuries, I
have been in excellent health. I get very few colds, so when I am not
physically feeling well, that is something I don't face often. Like
everyone, I deal with the real life day-to-day issues at home, with family
and friends, here at the ministry. I can tell you that there are days, many
days, when I simply do not feel like serving God, despite that is what He has
called me to do...and I have committed my life to do. Of course, we all need
to use common sense and try to live the balanced life I speak of often, but
serving God is not just something those like myself in full-time ministry
are called to do, but it is something every child of God is called to do.
It is not an option, it is a commandment. It is not something we do when we
feel like it, but it is what our life as a Christian is to be about. You
see, despite how you feel or what you are going through, it never negates
the call God has on your life as His child to serve Him.
When I talk of serving God, that comes in many forms. For most it is simply
living your life each day in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Being the
mom, dad, sister, brother, husband, wife, God has called you to be at home.
Being the "salt of the earth" at your job or school. In most cases it is
simply living a Godly life before this sin-filled world each day. Being
kind to others. Helping someone in their time of need. These are all ways
we serve God. Of course there are many other ways we serve God, through
activities at our church, working with a ministry, serving your community.
These also are ways we fulfill our obligation to serve God with our lives.
Most days, serving the Lord is not a problem. But there are days when we
just don't feel like being a servant. At those times in my life, I press in
to that daily walk with Christ. I ask Him for the strength to accomplish
all He desires of me that day. I realize that in my own strength, even when
I feel great, I can't accomplish anything. So it helps me to focus on my
dependency upon Him. It is true. When I am weak, He is strong. It is
amazing how many of those days go by quickly, how there are special blessings on those days. You see my friend, the Lord will always help you to serve Him, follow Him, and honor Him with your life...and He will bless you for it!
I love you and care about you so much. I pray today that despite what you
are facing in your life today, you will not forget that serving the Lord is
not an option we have. As His children, it is a mandate clearly laid out
in His Word. Jesus was our example. His life was a life of service. You
will be surprised how the Lord will not only make you feel better throughout
those difficult days, but He will bless you in ways you never imagined. You
hear me say often, when we are about His business, He will be about our
business. So true. Many times those impossible situations become possible. Not because I did anything, but because I was obedient and followed God. The spiritual test for you is, the next time you don't feel well, the next time the problems of life seem overwhelming, don't forget that we are here to serve and glorify Him with our lives. While satan can't have the souls of those who know Christ, he can do his best to keep them from serving God. Recognize this trick and serve Him despite the problems, in the strength God can give you. You will be blessed for it.
