So, did you lead someone to Christ today? Not me. Not today.
Did you read 5 chapters of the Bible, researching, and note taking? Not me. Not today.
Did you feed those in need and sacrifice being uncomfortable for the Lord? Not me. Not today.
If the above 3 questions were the criteria for scoring a “win” with Jesus I guess I failed today. Praise God we are saved by grace and loved for who we ARE, not what we DO.
Today’s menial tasks (mainly medical calls) got me thinking about how we evaluate our days and what is really a true win. What is He looking for? It is US He’s looking for. He longs to grow our relationship. He asks for obedience- to listen for His gentle guidance and then responding with joy. He wants us to seek Him with all our heart
You may be wondering what the connection is between medical calls and something as significant as evaluating our lives. Well, welcome to a part of my heart I’m not so proud of- how I have been known to interact with medical professionals (mainly on the phone). Instead of the decent human being I generally am, I have been known to become quite agitated, rude, and about my worst self honestly. It’s like I had never read about the fruit of the Spirit, praying without ceasing, or casting my cares on the Lord.
Today felt like a big “win” in terms of my mindset and attitude toward the variety of medical folks I talked with. It was only God and the work of His Spirit in me. Thankfully I had some spiritual nourishment before the calls! I haven’t had a win like this in quite awhile sadly. (Why do those people scheduling medical appointments always seem the least competent, rude, and unhelpful?!) Oh wait! Those are the ones who need my light, love, and grace. How have I missed this mindset for so long- thinking only of how I was served so poorly? Jesus came TO serve, not to BE served.
The real miraculous part of today’s win is that two pretty important parts of my calls were not resolved- a new inhaler (breathing is important, right?!) and the one Dr. managing the ONE med that’s finally helping my fatigue (after waiting years for relief) won’t increase the dose (needed) and pushed me off to another Dr, not seeing me again. That’s not counting all the other scheduling details that are among my least favorite thing to do. Probably worse than eating kale!
Jesus reminded me of the fruit of the Spirit today in light of all these calls, as well as the significance of our roots.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Fruit is what shows on the outside to others- whether it’s agitation or kindness, harshness or gentleness. But God sees our foundation, our roots. Are you rooted deeply in God?
Psalm 1:2-3 “(the man who meditates on his law day and night)- That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither- whatever they do prospers.”
I’d call that a win.
Our part is to stay connected to Jesus, to let His Word fill us, so that when we are pinched by that next medical call, we can shower the person on the other end with the kindness of the Lord. After all, out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. I sure want the overflow of my heart to bear fruit. I imagine you do, too.
Let’s abide.
Let’s rest in Him.
Let’s enjoy Him, praise Him.
Let’s seek Him with our whole heart.
Let’s partner with the Holy Spirit and watch Him overflow with His fruit in our lives.
I challenge you to ask the Lord what a win is for you in this season. What is your equivalent to my medical calls? Draw near to the Lord and He’ll draw near to you.
Never underestimate what a win might be in your life. Remember, Jesus’ Kingdom is an upside down Kingdom. “Winning” isn’t glorious. It’s often quiet, a changed heart, a changed mindset, a humbled spirit. Then the outside world sees the fruit of those inner changes. As we abide, He brings the fruit. (See John 15)
Today has humbled me and inspires me to abide more and more.
Jesus is cheering you on- wherever you’re at on your journey! And I’m right behind Him!
With joy and expectation,
Melissa
GratefulOne 