“Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire.” (Psalm 37:4 Contemporary English Version)
I talked with a saint a few days ago, and I asked her to spontaneously tell me a theme to describe her life. This saint who I have known for a little under 50 years answered, “Giver; I’m a giver and not a taker.” I concurred with her answer, but I told her I expected her to say something about God giving her, her heart’s desire, even if it was not something that happened automatically or noticeably. Yes, God works like that sometimes. Just as a side note: Sometimes God has shown up and is doing things in our lives to get us to where what we desire, aligned with His will and purpose, are positioned. So, never think God is not answering your prayer. And never think it is a long time, for a thousand years is like two watches of the night in God’s eyes. I deviated from the story, but it was worth it, especially if you go no further than the first paragraph in your reading. Smile, but read on.
You see when I first met this saint, she had a goal, a desire rooted in her heart, of being a teacher. Partially because she excelled in academics, and she excelled in high level math and somewhat because she was “pushed” into the field of engineering, it seemed like her heart’s desire was not going to be met. It was, but not just immediately. God was moving. God was still working on granting her heart’s desire. She went to one of the top engineering schools in the country, earned a bachelor’s degree, and worked in the field of engineering, and because engineers are great problem solvers, she worked in supply chain management. Her duties took her to countries she probably would have never seen before and familiarized her with cultures that she otherwise would not have been exposed to first-hand. Look at how she would be blessed with a background that would make her empathetic and inclusive in dealing with students from around the world in the future. God was moving, still working Her international experience would be of value in teaching soon.
While working in the private sector, she earned her MBA, and her Doctorate in Leadership. Her career journey took her through many stops where she continued to excel. God was still moving, still working. Even though she did not have the title of “Teacher,” at her jobs she was always the “go-to-person” that her peers sought ought when they needed to know how to do something. She also mentored young people one-on-one in addition to her day job. God was still moving, still working. And perhaps she was a not a “go-to-person,” perse, but perhaps she was a “God-too-person.” As her life story unfolded, somewhere between receiving her Master’s and earning her Doctorate, she was hired at the same university where she was enrolled in a four-year, pre-college engineering, summer program, and she is still an Adjunct Professor today. But before her formal appointment at the School of Engineering, on her way to that higher education position, she was teaching many admirable traits to her family and friends about perseverance, patience, and the pursuit of continuous spiritual growth. Her life reflected her delight in the Lord. She’s teaching, but God is still not through moving.
Like me make a connection with the side note above. It might have seemed, to some, as if God delayed giving her heart’s desire. Some might refer to the saying, “He may not come when you want Him to, but when He does, He is right on time.” Others would not necessarily agree, but as they would look into this person’s life, and correctly see that God had granted her teaching opportunities all along the way. Her “giver and not a taker” disposition helped too. Look! The Scriptures are proven true, by this example, validating the opening verse.
I know! It’s Palm Sunday and you are getting ready to attend church! Good for you! God had promised a Messiah as far back as Genesis. And, the Scriptures, once again are proven to be true. God is a Promise Keeper. He sent His only begotten Son that we might have eternal life.
Back to attending church today. On your way, picture Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a colt to give His life for you and for me. The Lord had promised a Messiah to save His people, as well as to save all who would believe on Him. As you know by now, He did just what He said He would do.
The difference between the saint above and the world Jesus came to save, is obvious. The world had a “do what the Lord says” problem. We really did not deserve Him paying for our sins, but He did it anyway. Thank you Jesus! Refer to the closing Scripture and rejoice! Think about God’s grace and mercy!
And then mediate on four things: (1) Are you still doing what the Lord says?, (2) Will you meditate on how He has given you the desires of your heart? (3) Can’t you see how the Lord has blessed you in ways different than you expected or anticipated? (4) Will you confirm that the Scripture above is true?
Answer these questions, even if you do it after church is dismissed, but do it before you go to sleep. Have a great time in service today! I’m sure you are not an ETC Christian (Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas), so I know that you are not waiting to show up next week. Go on now! Get to church today, and show others, better yet, teach others about not forsaking the assembly of the saints by your habit. Be glad to be in the service one more time! (P.S. Jesus is coming back to get us! I know that’s true because the Scriptures are true.) Be blessed!
“Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.” (Romans 5:6-8 The Message Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King