"Our Lives Have Meaning!"

Monday, April 5, 2010

Praise the Lord, Chosen Women!

I pray that this day finds you well, and encouraged to joyfully move forward in the tasks set before you. I have often referenced the thought that came from my First Lady many years ago. She taught us that even if the task set before you and ordained into your life by God is vacuuming your house, changing children's diapers or even supervising staff it IS worship unto the Lord WHEN it is done well, and with praise and acknowledgment of the Lord.

This lesson has literally shaped my whole thought process towards my life since that time. I am able to see Godly purpose and value in all aspects of my life. I think perhaps I see it because I look for it.

I have observed that for some people it is not easy for them to identify the "God" in their day to day activities. I have personally met many that were unfulfilled believing that their life did not currently have much merit; and they were looking to do something to 'make their mark.' For me it is quite the opposite. I have come to see God's purposefulness in much of what I do. No, I do not see perfection in my life -- but I do see purpose!

For example, I see God's divine providence in having me walk through the halls of academia securing undergraduate and graduate degrees -- and even in my plan to return. I can admit that the resulting benefits and open doors have not always been what I imagined and dreamed of within myself. I was looking forward to using MY degrees to do what I wanted. Little did I know that God's plan was to use that training and background to bring me into a profession and positions that exactly paralleled and supported my ministry call. Because I perceive His purposefulness in my life I now see how ministry overlaps work; and then overlaps my entire life.

My professional goal was big bucks and top positions. God's plan was healing, deliverance and help for people in need -- both inside and outside of the church. God's plan does not always look like the picture we would paint. But that is okay because if we are in Him it is not our life that we are living anyway. His purpose does not always take into account MY plans -- but I must remind myself that my life is no longer my own. If I am sold out for Jesus then it is only in Him that I find my true life and purpose. Besides, I am supposed to be dead, right? Our dear Apostle Paul said it best when writing to the Colossians -- "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (3:3)

Someone reading right now feels that you have wasted so much time. God said raising those children with morals and God knowledge was exactly what you were supposed to be doing! Do not beat yourself up! He said those thoughts that you hear are not His thoughts towards you -- they are the accusations of the enemy. He is the accuser of the brethren -- not God. I wonder if my mom Jewel ever felt unfulfilled or overwhelmed. She was an exemplary professional woman AND a phenomenal homemaker. She could have never known that all that she demonstrated to me -- from cleaning to cooking to exhibiting superior morals and manners -- would be so used in my life to instruct other young women who had no "Jewel" in their lives. I am making a difference in the lives of others in part because she made a difference in mine.

Today I want you to see that God is using you mightily even though you might not yet run a Fortune 500 company or govern a city or state. Our lives have purpose as long as we are fulfilling the will of the One who died for us all.

In Service for the Master,
Evangelist Lisa Y. Mitchell

Well that is certainly not what I sat down to write -- but someone in our network must need to hear just that -- have a wonderful week in Him!