If you’re like me, there are some days that just don’t seem that important. There’s always this idea that “brighter” and “better” days are up ahead. We think, “I survived today, but tomorrow I will conquer!” At times, all of us may even despise the daily routines and responsibilities that we have been given. There have even been moments on this trip where I have thought, “Well, I didn’t accomplish much today. Ministry did not happen the way I imagined.”
Somehow, we have believed the lie that life only really counts when we’re accomplishing a great task. But what we find about Jesus in the New Testament is that He was never in a rush to “accomplish great things.” He lived a simple life – loving those around Him, seeking to serve those in need, and obeying the voice of His Father.
Oh, to be like Jesus!
So here are just a few areas that God has prompted me to consider. I hope this helps you as you serve the Lord.
1) Surrender Daily:
I’ve prayed, “God what would you have me do today? Rest? Work? Serve? Teach? Give? Love? Please don’t let a day pass by where I do not listen to Your voice and direction.”
Proverbs 14:8a:
“The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way…”
2) Stand Firm:
I’ve prayed, “Lord, where is my identity? Do I see my self-worth in You, or do I find my identity in what I can or cannot do in this life?”
Ephesians 6:10-13:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
3) Seek Contentment / Stop Comparing:
I’ve prayed, “Lord, let me be content in how You have created me. Let me be free from comparison. Let me appreciate the diversity of each individual on my team. Let diversity bring unity!”
Psalm 17:15:
“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.”
4) An Ordinary Moment
Also, a few years ago I read this book (see picture below). This was the first time I heard about the 10/40 Window. At the time, God was preparing my heart to one day serve in this region and I didn’t even know it! Reading this study, in my daily routine, sparked an interest for this part of the world. And now, here I am on this grand adventure!
So here’s to the ordinary! Here’s to the mundane! Who knows?! Maybe a very ordinary moment in your life could bring you closer to an extraordinary God!
Much love,
Melissa
“The way to deeper knowledge of God is through the lonely valleys of soul poverty and abnegation of all things. The blessed ones who possess the Kingdom are they who have repudiated every external thing and have rooted from their hearts all sense of possessing.”
A.W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God
