10 Days of Encountering Jesus EverywhereSample

Day 8: Wake Up

In my mid-twenties, a shift occurred in my walk with Jesus. The result of that shift was an inability to keep Jesus to myself. To not bring Him up in conversation was nearly impossible, and I delighted in hearing what other people were learning about Him in their own lives. My brother noticed this shift and blurted out one day, “When did you get so spiritual?!” For the first time, I was able to trace my newly found love for Christ back to the death of my cousin Wynter, who died suddenly at age 38. She left behind her husband, Jonathan, and their four young daughters. Yet incredibly, Jonathan continued to worship and praise God amid this life-changing tragedy. I told my brother that witnessing her sudden passing and Jonathan’s faith-filled response not only helped me understand Christ's comfort in times of grief but also helped me realize that this life isn’t what we live for.

When God said this life is like a vapor, a breath, or a passing shadow, He meant it (Psalm 144:4). We will spend endless ages with Him in eternity, walking by sight instead of by faith, but right now, this life is an invitation to show our total devotion to Him. We are His creatures, and we were created to be loved by Him and to love Him in return. We weren’t created to live selfishly. We were made to be living arrows—to use the talents, gifts, and abilities He’s given us to point directly back to Him and His goodness.

The goal of this life is to someday hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21 NIV). Will you hear that in the end? Do you want there to be a question, or do you want to doubt that God was your number-one priority while you were here on earth? When I shared this conviction with my brother, he simply nodded his head at my explanation, as may you. But will you take it to heart and get serious about living your life solely for the Father?

As a mother of small children, let me tell you: Kids have little to no concept of time. Days, weeks, months, and years mean nothing to them. Small children wake up every day searching for enjoyment and living for fun. There is a time for childhood. However, as adults, we can’t afford to be spiritual children. Living unaware of time while searching only for enjoyment risks our eternity.

Up until July 21, 2018, I had been spiritually childish, living incognizant of wasted time. Then, Wynter woke me up with her God-centered, purpose-filled life and incredible legacy. If you have been wasting your unpromised time living for personal gratification, wake up! Every day God gives you is an opportunity to show that you are indeed His good and faithful servant. Let’s live fully today, tomorrow, and beyond by intentionally focusing on the purpose God has set before us and pursuing it with our whole hearts.

Reflect

God wants hearing “Well done, good and faithful servant” to be your heart’s greatest priority. Does your life reflect this? This week, what’s one small change you can make to help you better focus on this ultimate goal of serving God?

Pray With Me

Lord, Your Word and the sacrifice of Your only Son have changed our lives forever. I choose to not take that lightly and to live my life differently so You would receive the glory! I know this life on earth isn’t the end, so today, help me live with Your boldness and courage. Show me how to live in Your reality even while I’m awaiting eternity with you.