“… but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. (Genesis 50:b) NASB 1995 Version)
It’s been 13 years since I headed up the Human Resources Department at a major corporation’s mid-west distribution center. Reluctantly, I had to retire because of an inner ear condition. For years I was haunted by that decision and thought that perhaps I should have just asked for a less responsible position, that required less walking throughout a building that was 2/3 of a mile long, interacting with associates in every department. Working since the age of seventeen, including working full-time while going through my undergraduate studies in four years, made it a difficult transition at the age of 62. Until this past week, there were multiple times that being away from the workforce always brought me down, actually, let’s just call it by the term we would normally deny. I was depressed at times. That’s gone now. Let me explain because now I see.
Last week the Lord showed me how the unfolding of my story was for good. Revealed to me how the worst of times was really the best of times. You see, even though I taught part-time at the local university until 2015, I was able to devote more time to studying and teaching the word of God. Not required to work long hours and be away for business travel, I was able to further my development, my maturation in pastoring a flock, teaching God’s word thoroughly, so much so, attendees get some post-secondary like Christian Education. There’s more. I was able to aid others, saints in the generation that would take on increasing responsibilities as I, like John the Baptist, decrease. Note that decreasing does not mean to desist. There is no retirement in the kingdom. I’m happy now, knowing that others who follow will do a great work, a greater work. Now, I see.
Not working full-time, look at my activity. I was eventually able to write these daily meditations for eight years, and teach not one, but three and at one time four bible study classes a week, going through several books of the bible verse by verse. More importantly I was afforded valuable and sufficient time develop my Assistant Pastor who will see growth of our local church beyond what I was allowed to see. Every pastor is like Moses. We have a Joshua being readied to lead God’s people to that spiritual land that my mom used to just call “Better.” Now, I see!
And get this! With his development and the development of other leaders in the church and the establishment of operational principles that will ensure the continued successful operation in God’s eyes, of our local body of believers, the work of the Lord will be done effectively and efficiently far past my years, reaching generations yet to come. Now I see!
One more thing, at the risk of being redundant. If the early retirement from the secular world had not happened, all the increase that will occur would not happen. Now I see!
God has been in it all and God meant it all. all that happened, for the good and growth of His kingdom. Consider these biblical statistics When the Israelites came into Egypt during the time of famine, there were seventy people. Four hundred and 30 years later, when God brough them out of bondage, the number of Israelites was approximately 2.4 million people. Look at God work! That is what He has been doing. Oh, to be used by God! Hallelujah! Now I see!
What should be your takeaway from this meditation? Well, I hope you will take a retrospective look at your life and figure out what God is intending to still accomplish in your life for the sake of His people. And I pray that you will not let things you consider “bad” turn you away from your faith, from your faithful perseverance and steadfastness, or from your faithfulness in serving. For enrichment and edification, look at the verses I have provided you today in context. You will be not only be familiarized with profitable portions of scripture, but you will have a greater understanding and appreciation about your life’s happenings. I’m praying that after you do that, you will come away saying, like me, “Now I see!”
Have a great start to your week! Praise God for what He is doing in your life! I know I will! Petition Him to give you peace and understanding of His doings in your personal experiences for the purpose of kingdom building. Praise Him and declare, as your eyes have been opened! Shout out, “Now I see!” Be blessed!
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NASB 1995 Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King