This is what concerns me when I look at the calendar and
look at how much time has passed and how much time is left before the end of
the year. I'm not just concerned about living for God instead of
"self." I'm concerned for you too, my dear friend. There are so many
of you that are dear, sweet, wonderful people that are just living for
today...getting things done, very important things done but, not enjoying
what's going on around you because you're so busy. Please know that I'm sharing
this from my heart. I was just like you, living for the right now. Busy getting
done what needed to get done and being so busy that I didn't enjoy life
anymore.
Life became this big "to-do" list. Life became
redundant. I remember thanking God for the day but wishing it was done…well,
because I was tired of being so tired…I was tired of working so hard at trying
to keep up with the “to-do” list that I started to resent the never-ending
“to-do” list. I started to resent those around me that seemed to be better at
accomplishing everything on their “to-do” lists while I seemed to always be
behind with mine.
Oh, my dear friends, it wasn’t until the Lord convicted me
about this resentment that was growing quickly in my heart like a cancer! My heart was growing cold towards Him, my
loved ones and even towards myself. I was headed towards a very dangerous
place. A place that many have gone to and have never returned. This place is
called “abandonment.” It is the place in
the heart that is cold and harsh. It is
where those that have given up go to. It
is in “abandonment” that they dare to do the unthinkable.
They abandon their spouses, loved ones, their lives as they
know it with the belief that they can start anew again. What they don’t know is that this place of
abandon has been set up by the devil himself. It is a trap that is set like a
spider that slowly, quietly, patiently weaves its web. Once what’s caught in
the web is felt the spider attacks and kills its prey. This is what the devil does in the place of
“abandonment.” He kills the joy of God,
spouse, children…life as we know it. Ephesians 6:12, “For
our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against
the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
realms.” (NIV)
No, my dear friends, let’s not take time for granted. Let’s
not allow the never-ending “to-do” list keep us from living this beautiful life
God has given to us. Yes, it is very important to be responsible for those we
so deeply care for. Yes, it is very
important to be responsible with our work, schools, churches and
communities. But, nothing is more
important than our relationship with God.
Nothing on our “to-do” list can compare to the joy of laughter from our
children. Let’s live life the way God
intended it. Let’s live and enjoy every
minute we get. Let’s enjoy God’s joy and hope. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give
you hope and a future.” (NIV)
Thank you for reading! It’s been awhile
since I’ve posted a devotional! Hope you have all been well. My dear friends
you are all in my prayers. God bless you and yours. For more of my writing check out my other
posts on the blog or you can check out my “Thought of the Day” on the
ministry’s Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/ReflectingTruthMinistries.com
*If you would like to read this same
devotional in Spanish or know of someone that would please visit my Spanish
blog at www.ministerioreflejandolaverdad.blogspot.com
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