Live with Purpose
by Yvonne Ortega
Live with Purpose? I didn’t think about that when my doctor said, “You have a sinus infection and a viral infection.” She continued, “You need to rest. You’ve been through a lot with the surgery, your dad’s unexpected passing, and the whirlwind trip for the church service.”
With my eyes at half-mast, I nodded and headed for the pharmacy. As I spent four days in bed or on the couch, I couldn’t help but think about how I could live with purpose during an illness. Have you thought about that when you’ve been sick?
I slept most of the time. However, the times I was awake, I felt led to review my schedule over the previous two weeks. One question bothered me. How could I live with purpose?
Did my activities show that I lived with purpose, or did I run from one event to another? With my calendar before me, I could evaluate what counted for eternity and what didn’t. When have you sat with your calendar to evaluate your activities and see if you live with purpose?
My days of reflection broke my heart. I was physically sick, but I became spiritually ill, too. I couldn’t hide the fact that I had been busy, but not productive. My calendar showed a woman on overload with little to show for the Lord’s kingdom.
How did that happen? I forgot who I am in Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (NIV).
The darkness encompassed the unexpected loss of my last living parent, the marathon trip for Dad’s service, and physical exhaustion and illness that made me look at the reality of my busy, but unproductive schedule.
His wonderful light included not only my salvation, but also my value as a human being and God’s call on my life as his child. I want to change my ways, live with purpose, and declare God’s praises. What about you? Are you willing to change your ways, live with purpose, and declare God’s praises?
1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (NIV).
Prayer: God, I don’t think about being a chosen people, a royal priesthood, or anything like that. Help me live with purpose and declare your praises. Amen.
What will you do this week to live with purpose and declare God’s praises?
Copyright© by Yvonne Ortega IV.XXIII.MMXVIII
Related Topics:
www.yvonneortega.com/what-legacy-will-you-leave/
www.yvonneortega.com/purpose-in-adversity-you-cant-be-serious/
