There was tale of an elderly woman in the church who had served the Lord for years. Instead of seeking the help of others, she did most of the work herself. It was her life’s mission to pursue ways to serve. She was head of women’s ministry, taught Sunday school, sung in the choir, was on the prayer team, and counseled the pastor on a regular basis. She was tired, worn out, and longed for heaven. Yet, because there was still so much work for her to do, she feared that she would never die. (grin)
Like this woman, we can easily slip into pursuing ministry instead of pursuing Jesus and miss the true purpose of our existence. The same is true in every facet of our lives. The pursuit of happiness, opportunity, or even being a good parent, can get in the way of simply pursuing Jesus.
What are you pursuing? What is the thing you really, really want? Is it a successful career that you covet? Is it to be a musician, a doctor, or to author a book? Maybe it’s a spouse you’re dreaming of or the desire to be a mom that you’re longing for. Whatever your dream is it’s a God-given dream. In addition to giving you the dream, God has also given you what it takes to make your dream come true. Although, we don’t arrive at that dream by our own efforts, we get there by pursuing God.
I have found in my own life and ministry that when God reigns in my heart, blessings and opportunities pour down faster than I can make them happen myself. The quickest way to get where you’re going is to surrender your dream to God and let Him work to fit you for it.
We are always in a hurry. God never is. While He has given us the vision of what we are to become, it may not be a reality in us yet. We have to let God work in our lives until we are ready. The dream is not what needs shaping. It’s us. Usually, God prepares us for our dreams though the adversity in our lives. Although, you shouldn’t become discouraged if it seems you’ll never reach your dream. No matter what your circumstances look like, God is at work shaping and preparing you for it. You and I may achieve some sort of success by our own pursuit, but it will never satisfy us like pursuing Jesus and waiting on Him to bring our dreams to pass.
When God alone is our true treasure, reward, and prize; when He is all we long for, seek after, love and adore, than He gives us the desires of our hearts—Himself. Only then are we ready to fulfill our purpose. No other person or thing can satisfy us like Jesus or prepare us for our God-given dreams. What are you pursuing?
Brandee says
Amen Micca! LOVE this!!
Sheila says
Wow the words written spoke to my heart. I struggle with being still and waiting on God. Your words remind me of the intimate blessings God provides in seeking Him!
Blessings!
Patricia says
Great post! Loved every bit of it… Got me thinking on what i am actually pursuing. Its so easy to get lost in the daily motions of life…