Remaining with God - Last Entry

You know those times when the Lord keeps hitting on a specific theme, or in cases like this just one specific passage of scripture? Isn't that sweet? The first time I remember feeling the weight of this verse was just a couple of years ago while I was reading a book about single life as a Christian (I honestly can't even remember which book it was). The author quoted 1 Corinthians 7:17 "Only let each person lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him." I remember the lightbulb moment of realizing, "Oh! Scripture says it that plainly and clearly!" That is a great nugget verse for me in the battle for contentment. I love the thoroughness of scripture - that God just covers every topic clearly and perfectly. This enlightenment came at a time where I still was very prone to covetting mothers who get to be home with their children and even get to home school them. That's a desire I've had probably as long as I've been a mother, but God has had other very good plans which I would be missing out on. His wisdom is so far beyond mine and is absolutely perfect!

I've been reading "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper which has a chapter entitled: Remaining With God, addressing many people's call to bring glory to God and share the gospel in a secular work setting. The title of the chapter is drawn from the concluding verse of the passage which starts with 1Cor. 7:17. Verse 24 says, "So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. Well guess what - God called me as a single mother - and he has seen fit to keep me there. Right now that necessitates that I work to provide for my family and that brings glory to God. It means that I must find him alone sufficient for every need and want and I am never disappointed! But how helpful it is to look at scripture and be certain that God is sovereign and good and that he has perfectly designed this for his glory. This is the life he has generously and graciously assigned to me. And how sweet it is compared to the "life" I would have if he had not turned me from my sin! Knowing that gives me much peace and joy in the day to day. And he does give me ample opportunity to speak about him with coworkers which I would not have if I were not blessed with this calling! And it blows my mind when I look back over these years and see a trail of lives affected by the gospel and saved from hell! because of how he uses weak vessels!

Another thing which really struck me in this book was the challenge to deny myself more for the direct benefit of others. While there are countless ways to do this, there was one that the Lord kept bringing to mind and giving me a real longing to pursue. It has a financial commitment involved and this is a season where the budget is changing dramatically already. So after seeking God's direction for where I could cut back on spending for myself so I might be able to sow toward others I began to see that internet and phone are really a luxury right now. This opportunity is so much more important and will, Lord willing, one day have an eternal impact. So this means no more posting, but sadder than that is not being able to keep up with friends' blogs. I'll try to find time on lunch breaks to peek in on my girls and see how each of you are doing. Thank you for all of the sweet and encouraging thoughts you've left for me here. You are dear sisters and I thank God for you!