Positive Changes

Something happened in the past couple of days. Instead of weakness, a heavy feeling in my chest, and shortness of breath when lifting too much or moving too fast, I feel normal (even though I say normal is only a setting on the dryer). I am able to do my work with renewed energy and a clear head. While the events of the past few weeks have given me much to think about, and have been a test of what I really believe, all of those physical symptoms suddenly ended. 

During these weeks, my mind has been occupied with priorities and still is. Instead of wasting time, I’m considering what is really important. Instead of procrastinating, I’m far more inclined to get right with it. My to-do list has changed, but has also undergone another transformation — things are getting done. Yet at the same time, I’m more aware of the brevity and uncertainty of life. What do I need to do that has eternal significance? How can I decide what is important and what can be left undone? 

When Jesus talked about His return, He told His disciples that no one knew the day or the hour. He also indicated that it was like a man who had a home with many servants.

It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. (Mark 13:34)

The phrase, “each with his work” jumps out at me, as it did for the person who commented on this verse. He said, “He does the most for God’s great world who does the best in his own little world.”

Jesus could come back at any time. He also could take me home at any time. For now, I’ve been given a tiny bit of responsibility in His kingdom. I have work to do and must to be alert to do it.

Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake. (Mark 13:35–37)

God has used the past few weeks for my benefit. He has drawn me closer to Jesus, made me more attentive to His voice. I want to stay awake and have learned a new “normal” — an awareness of God in my life as never before. He has made me deeply cognizant that He has put me in charge of part of His kingdom. While He supplies all resources needed to do that work, He also expects me to stay alert, not drift into the sleepiness of a self-ruled life.

---

Lord, first of all, I am so thankful for the way that I am feeling and that You have also restored my energy. I’m also thankful that I’m thinking about You far more often and seeking clear direction about what You want from me. And I’m thankful that You do give direction, that Your Spirit is quick to instruct and guide. I thought these things were happening before this heart problem came up, yet now am experiencing a whole new dimension of being Your child and Your servant. Thank You.