Don’t Miss Out

Week 40, Tuesday

Shari Falwell

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Several years ago, my then eight-year-old son Nicholas was sitting next to me in bed. He was concentrating intensely on a video game, which is a very common thing. As he played, I watched him and thought how absolutely adorable he was. I wanted to cuddle longer and even have the opportunity to let him fall asleep in my arms like when he was a baby, but he wasn’t interested. He did, in fact, allow me the privilege of a few still moments, but then he was off to conquer the next level of his game. Nicholas was on to his next mission. His next task was urging him to move forward and conquer.

Sometimes we are distracted in life just like our kids and their video games. We can be so intent on mastering the task at hand we lose sight of all other areas. We desire complete control and want to succeed so badly we miss what is really most important. Have you ever been so wrapped up in a “mission” that you could possibly miss an opportunity to be a blessing to someone else? I shudder to think how my obsessive behavior could allow me to miss out on something precious. I could miss a moment with my husband, my child, or one of my friends just because I have to complete an “important” task.

When I’m honest with myself, I find that I sometimes expect God to bless my plans. He might have different opportunities for me but I can’t see it because I’m stuck on what I want. I do want God to pour into me, but if I don’t take the time to allow His agenda, I’m going to find myself completely depleted and drained.

Jesus, thank You for always being there for me. I know that each day You have incredible moments for me to discover. Please help me to stay focused on Your plan. Lord, I want my agenda to match Yours. I want to live a life with no regrets, and I know the only way to accomplish that is when You order my steps. Your Word says in Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Help me not to waste time on insignificant areas. I know when I give myself to You completely, You will not allow my day to be a waste or a disappointment.