Acts 20:21, 24 (NIV) “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus. … However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”
Psalm 71:18 (NIV) Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation your mighty acts to all who are to come.
Ezekiel 2:4-7 (NIV) (excerpts) The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. … And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious people—they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. … Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them…you must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen…
Your job—my job—our job, is to be faithful in whatever the Lord asks us to do. That might include individual mentoring, participating in ministries of encouragement, teaching, speaking, writing, leading a small group, or just plain being kind to those who feel no one cares about them. Opportunities to speak the gospel message and share God’s love arrive in our lives on a daily basis. Our responsibility comes with faithfully responding to those opportunities. Whether they listen or fail to listen should never be our motivation for doing our best for our Heavenly Father. Our motivation comes in serving our Heavenly Father, loving him, and pleasing him in every task he sets before us. Our only aim should be to spread the Good News of the gospel message to a world in desperate need of a Savior. Even when [you are] old and gray, you still have work to do for God’s Kingdom. God has given each person gifts, talents, and abilities and the expectation is that you will use what he has given you to honor and glorify him. This may shock you or be a little unsettling, but there is no retirement age limit for sharing the gospel.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
As we accumulate birthdays and experience the various effects of the aging process, it is all too tempting to slip into a feeling of uselessness. Yet you, Lord, have promised to be with us, to strengthen us, and to guide us when we remain obedient to you. Forgive us when we fail to respond to the opportunities you send our way.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The devotional My Only Aim appeared first on Write From My Heart at writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
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