LIVING WELL

As I get older, Lord, and look back over my life,

I have this nagging question of whether I have lived well.

I mean have I lived well by Your standards?

You entrust each of us with “talents” as You call them in Your parable.

Have I invested and used these for Your glory,

or have I squandered and hidden them out of fear or timidity?

It’s hard to even identify what You ask of me at this point in time.

I can’t find my niche, my outlet in this world.

Is it a continuation of being a wife, mother and now grandma?

Am I missing something You would have me invest in?

Will I have a return to offer You from this season of my life?

It is My will that you live well.  I came that you would have life and have it abundantly.  I purchased you back from sin and death and brought you into My kingdom at the precious cost of My blood.  Your worth lies in the price paid, not in your estimation of your usefulness, and certainly not in anyone else’s opinion of your value.

There are many treasures still active in your life that I expect you to invest in, My child.  I am to remain your first love forever and always.  Only I can satisfy your heart and establish you in peace.  Do not think that time with Me is ever wasted, for it brings joy to My heart, as well.

Even though your interaction with people is more limited than it was, you still know many who need prayer and I have given you the gift of time to invest there.  Intercession is a ministry that goes unseen by the world, but shapes lives, brings healing, restores broken people, opens hearts, and moves My hand.  Do not be concerned about a list or form of prayer, but pray for each need I lay on your heart as I bring it to mind.

Everyone you encounter has a need.  I do not expect you to be the answer to every need, but to be sensitive to that reality.  Some people need to hear a specific word from Me that I would speak through you, but almost everyone needs a smile or a kindness.  Showing grace and patience toward the person who seems least deserving is an act of sacrifice and love that might only be seen by Me, but I do see it.  You are never to replace Me in anyone’s life, but always be someone who smooths the path, clears the road, and helps mark the way for someone who has yet to find Me.

Speak freely and openly of Me and My goodness.  Make sure you are more generous with My love than with your opinion or judgment.  Let grace flow from Me, through you, to anyone you encounter, no matter what their state.  Let My grace extend even into your world view and your social convictions.  Grace and truth.  Let your evaluation be based on both truth and grace, never condemnation which is only Mine to decide.  No one is beyond My provision to redeem.  Be wise in your interaction, but remember that judgment belongs to Me.

Love well and you will live well.  Invest in people by your words and actions when you are with them and by your prayers when you are not.  Your love will increase in direct proportion to your prayers.  I need you and have put you right where I want you.  Do not fear that you are missing out.  Do not compare your life with anyone else’s.  Embrace what I have put before you and rest in the wisdom of My purpose.

John 10:10; Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Isaiah 26:12; Zephaniah 3:17; Ephesians 3:18;

Hebrews 12:13; James 5:19-20; Galatians 6:1-2; Galatians 6:9-10; Galatians 6:4 (MSG)