Into the Fire

You either think you matter in the scheme of life or you don’t. It’s impossible to take the middle ground because no matter who you are, someone is touched by your life on earth. From the least to the “most”, you affect others. Maybe not in a grand style and maybe not noticeably, but life still matters wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.

Life doesn’t begin at 40 or end at 30 or exist in its prime during the 20s. Life is for as long as it is. Whether it’s only for a couple of months in the womb or 100 years on earth, life matters. If not to the individual . . . to God. Sometimes, even for a Christian, we forget we matter. We forget or choose to ignore that God has a plan for our lives. Not this haphazard, crazy, obscure map or Da Vinci coded design, but a real, distinct, and intricate plan which is somehow able to overcome our incessant efforts to massacre the thing with our own assumptions and headstrong undertakings which usually produce the equivalent to either a modicum of success but little joy or zero success with a modicum of fear.

Each day you awake with a decision before you: Who will you serve? Following that question, another one quickly asserts itself: How will you serve? The answers are numerous, but they shouldn’t be. And maybe verbally we answer “wisely”, but the heart beats a different rhythm, and we fudge our responses when it comes to actions.

If you’re walking down the writing road, the only real obstacle is yourself. The reason I say that is because whenever we earnestly set our minds and hearts to something, we usually have a desired outcome for those endeavors. If it’s pie in the sky, then everything else which occurs short of that is considered a failure or at least not good enough. Why do we continue to erect expectations when, as Christians, we know the walk is by faith, not by what we see or hope to see?

God is calling you to fulfill the plan: His plan, not yours. Yes, sometimes it comes forth in a direct word, a simple package with no frills. It’s obvious. However, along the way are all kinds of high fences topped with razor wire, unlimited disappointments, trials which seem to extend into eternity. You question what you know or what you thought you knew. Were you wrong?

Other times the direction comes at the least expected moment much like an epiphany. Here you are in the middle of something else, and “Ta Da!” here’s the new direction. Of course, even the amazing epiphany comes under strict scrutiny. How could it be? The doubts rush in side by side with the “Of course!” recognitions. A conundrum of ensuing plotting, denying the possibilities, back and forth, leaving the Lord out of it while you sift and shake the information before consulting the One who is responsible for it.

Often what we fail to address is that we were created for the plan. Our purpose is divine. It is not to serve ourselves, it is to serve our Lord. It is grander than mere humanitarian issues, fame, fortune, comfort, or even a simple faith. It goes farther and deeper than what we can imagine. But it takes yielding. Surrender. Obedience. Following Him, not us. It’s hard, but it matters.

Writing in and of itself is irrelevant. So what if we bring joy, entertain, or scare the hell out of a reader? Is it enough to provide a “reading experience” on earth? What will that matter when the Big Book is brought out at the White Throne Judgment?

The Lord is calling . . . all who will listen. All who will lay down their lives to serve Him, not themselves. To each one He has given something He plans to use. Will you let Him?

Father, we spend too much time in the here and now, forgetting we are investing in eternal issues with each breath you allow us to take. Help us to be acutely aware of your leading, your voice in our lives. Help us to feel your presence, listen to your instruction, and faithfully follow your design for each one of us. We are desperate for you, whether we know it or not. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.