30 Days of HeartworkSample

Finish The Race

HEART //

Paul knew the task God had given him - “the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” His only focus in life was giving the Gospel to those who did not know Christ, and he did not stop, no matter what ridiculous challenges came his way (read the rest of Acts to see what we mean). In the same way, God has called us to follow him in pursuit of the lost, broken, and hurting. He commands us to preach good news to the poor and has called us each to different expressions of that mission. God is encouraging us to “finish the race and complete the task.”

Now, it's obvious that all of our paths won't look just like Paul's. So many things are different. But people are people, and people are lost and need to be loved. Jesus, by his example and sacrifice, has enabled us to accomplish the mission he's uniquely calling us to through the power of his Holy Spirit. We have the resources to be able to make a difference, somewhere, somehow.

Forest Witcraft, in a magazine article on behalf of the Boy Scouts of America, once said, “One hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, how big my house was, or what kind of car I drove. But the world may be a little better, because I was important in the life of a child.” There will come a time when we stand before the Lord, and the only thing of importance on that day will be how we use the gifts God has given us. May we be able to stand before the Lord and, like Paul... To come to the end of our lives having finished the race and completed the task the Lord gave us. You know, that task is a gift. God is so incredible in using the circumstances (challenges and triumphs) of our lives to constantly mold us into the image of Jesus. During this short stay in this life, may we spend ourselves generously and fully on behalf of others and in spreading God’s grace. May we enter into eternity and hear our Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

WORK //

How has it been carrying around a sandbag, water, or rice this week? Make notes of a conversation or two that impacted you. When you gathered friends or family for prayer, how did God lead your group to pray?

As we come to the end of our journey together, the question that remains for each of us is: “What's in your hands?” (Remember? From the boy with the fish and loaves in John 6?) As you continue to grow in Spending Yourself, we want to encourage you that it will be a journey… More often than not, God has simple resources (like those loaves and fish) right in front of you, in your family, school, or community. He wants to turn them into a miracle for someone. Think of one person you can spend yourself for today, and go for it. You are free, you are God’s child, you are following in his footsteps. Here at Heartwork, we are so proud of you.

Watch this video (originally created for virtual reality goggles, but it works if you don't have any of those handy) and spread the word about Heartwork to friends who may need some inspiration!