Destiny Demands Diligence

Back in the day (we won't discuss how far back that is...) I used to sing a song entitled, "Find Us Faithful". The theme of the song was essentially that we must live a life that exemplifies the presence and power of God for the next generation.
"May all who come behind us/Find us faithful."

I turned 35 last year.

That is probably a goal for some of you, and a wisp of a memory for others. I don't know what some of you had accomplished by the time you were 35, but so far, I've not even really given what I WANT TO DO much thought. In all of the struggle of the past year, I have been given a great gift: time to reflect and realize my priorities.

I was speaking to a dear friend and spiritual mentor earlier this week and my comment to her was, "I am dealing with situations that I should have had licked 15 years ago!" I was frustrated, embarassed, and altogether overwhelmed. I've wasted a lot of time. I've squandered a lot of opportunities. I've had to fall on the grace of a merciful God who has not given up on me, though. And that's what has made the difference!

I carry a small wallet in my purse. Inside this wallet are the words "DESTINY DEMANDS DILIGENCE". The word 'destiny' implies a certain haphazard occurrence of circumstances, as though we humans have very little effect on our personal destinies. That is not at all what the Bible says.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a verse we often hear quoted when we hear people speak about God's plans for our lives. He tells Israel, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." (NIV) God knew exactly what He had destined for us from the foundations of the earth. But we can definitely throw things off track by our own poor choices.

Poor choices are the bane of every man, woman, boy and girl. This world has become so obsessed with instant gratification and drive-thru living. We expect everything to be labeled with , "Just add water!" But that's not what God has assigned us to at all! If He had intended us to just glide through life with a "Que sera, sera." mentality, why would the Apostle Paul write these words:

"...let us run with patience the race marked out before us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured..." (Heb. 12:2-3 NIV)

Solomon wrote centuries earlier that, "...the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong..." (Eccl. 9:11 NIV) Both of these men knew it was the slow, steady, dedicated, diligent men and women who would succeed and meet the destiny that God had carved out for them at the beginning of time. It is diligence, perseverance and full focus that will get you to the place God has called you to.

I told you in my last post that He knew you when He called you. There is great peace and great strength to be found in that truth. But you have a part to play, too, Beloved!

A long time ago, not long after my son was born, I was praying fervently to God for a breakthrough in my life. The situation we were in then is not much different than the one we find ourselves in today. (God is faithful to keep us in Kindergarten until we get things right...) Nevertheless, as I prayed and called out to Him for help He said very gently to me, "Jenn-you do your part, and I will do Mine."

I have never forgotten that. I have a part to do-seek His will, surrender to it when He shows it to me, and keep on keeping on! I must remain faithful to the calling He has given me, to the destiny He has prepared for me. The thing that truly amazes me is this: even though I have sidetracked myself and not always done my part, He has always done His and He has never let up on me in all of these years!

Paul made another declaration that I must share with you before I go. This scripture strengthens me everytime I read it, and especially now, since I have truly seen how faithful God is. Paul is speaking to Timothy in 2nd Timothy 2 about keeping his focus, and doing the work God has assigned to him with endurance and singlemindedness:

"Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with Him, we will also live with Him,
if we endure, we will also reign with Him,
if we disown Him, He will also disown us;
if we are faithless, He will remain faithful
for He cannot disown Himself."
(2 Tim. 2:11-13 NIV)

There are so many reasons for us to remain focused on the high calling for which we have been saved! I want to leave a legacy of faithfulness and what I like to call, 'Holy Ghost tenacity' behind me for my boy, and not just for him, but for whomever he touches. I will be so bold as to say, I want to leave my mark on this world-and I want it to be covered with the blood of Jesus Christ. It will take bullheaded determination to do it and the endurance of a gladiator, but through Him, I can do it!

My prayer is you will put your nose to the grindstone and keep your focus where it needs to be. Don't waste time, energy and resources anymore looking for that "Success in Less than 60 Seconds" solution. It ain't happenin'!

Let God move in today and gear you up for what you've got coming, Beloved. He will help you keep the main thing the main thing!

Jennifer Barnes
UPLIFT! Editor