“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NLT).
As I read this verse today, I heard God telling me that there is more to come; even in this life, there are greater things to come. Hold fast to the hope that this isn’t the end, this isn’t all there is, and not become complacent. I looked up the definition of complacent, and it perfectly described what I think the Lord is trying to teach me today. “Complacent: showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements.”
As I look back over the past 60 years, I think I’ve had a decent life, it started pretty terribly, but with God’s help, I was able to turn things around. I’ve been following Jesus for about 30 years now, served in various capacities in various churches, and even wrote a book about my journey to know the Lord. Yet, I hear the Lord telling me I’m not done; He has more for me to do. He has more for each of us to do, right to the very end of our natural lives.
I love the line in the song “My Testimony” by Elevation Worship that says, “If I’m not dead, you’re not done, greater things are still to come. “This line immediately resonated with me the first time I heard the song. God is always doing something new. He always has something new for us to do if we are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.
“Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland. Don’t you perceive it? Isaiah 43:18-19 (NLT).
In this scripture, Isaiah predicts the arrival of Jesus and salvation for all of us, but I believe He is also speaking to us about one of God’s attributes: He is a creator, the Creator. Though He is steadfast and unchanging in His character, He is still moving and creating in and through each generation. No matter how old you are, whether you’re 8 or 108, God still has something for you to do, something for you to contribute to His Kingdom.
Heavenly Father, thank you that you love each of us the same. Thank you that you have a plan and a purpose for our entire lives, not just part of our lives. Thank you that You never give up on us and that you are always calling us forward in Your Kingdom no matter how old we are.
