I recently started reading a book about healthy living, that uses foods mentioned in Scripture. What surprised me wasn’t the nutritional information so much as the story behind the book. One couple discovered a passion for helping others live healthier lives, according to God’s design. That passion eventually became research, classes and books.
FINDING OUR PASSION
This process is inspiring. Wouldn’t we all like to be in a place where we are suddenly aware of our purpose in life; —-to be so impassioned, we give up everything we’ve done before, to follow where we believe Jesus is calling? But surely this only happens in the Bible; or…. to those people who have the funds to be able to leave their job and follow the call on their heart!
Certainly that idea isn’t true or at least an exaggeration, but it seems that way if you feel like you’re floundering with no clear indication of what God wants you to do. I admit, I’ve been there. Oh sure….I knew I could write….but did it make a difference? Did anyone care one whit about what I had to say?
PURPOSE GIVES MEANING
Having purpose give our lives meaning—even as a widow. Maybe even, ‘especially as a widow’. Our lives and reason for existence isn’t supposed to be about ‘things’ or performance, which is what our culture teaches! We often look for spectacular purpose, while God delights in faithful purpose.
But contentment isn’t found in wealth, materialism, being the influencer, or getting loads of accolades. All those ‘things’ are temporary and last only a moment. Instead, we need to discover what we were made for–for the Kingdom! When we think only about ourselves, we can’t see the answer!
WIDOWHOOD CREATES NEW QUESTIONS
Widowhood has a way of making us question our usefulness. After years of caring for a husband, raising children, managing a house, or building a career, we suddenly wonder, ‘Who needs me anymore?’ But God never asks that question. He already knows the answer.
Many people will say ‘I have no specific talent, no purpose’ in life. This is far from the truth. Heaven measures significance differently than the world does. All things matter to God. While being a Pastor or missions leader are important, God also notices every act of kindness, moments of restraint or follow through, even, every whispered prayer. He doesn’t miss a thing! Nothing offered to Him is ever wasted.
WHAT WE BRING HIM
Whatever we bring to the table and offer to him, He will remember! Sometimes our ‘something’ seems so insignificant. But just as every tiny bird’s song is lifted to the heavens, so is every offering we lift up. God not only hears, and sees; He treasures it.
We look into our church congregations and see those who lead ministries, play musical instruments, teach or do other significant things. Each person within the congregational body is as valued and important as any other—regardless of what is immediately visible to everyone! Our bodies need every single part of it to function at it’s best. In the same way each person has something to offer to help God’s Kingdom grow.
Some people are encouragers, some prayer warriors, others may offer a meal to a grieving family, help in the nursery or with toddlers, or plant flowers around the building. There are so many places to serve and God loves them all! There is a reason God gave us different gifts. Not one person can do ‘every thing’!
CREATED TO SERVE
God didn’t create us to spend the rest of our lives wondering if we still matter. We are uniquely created and suited to serve right where He’s placed us. Our purpose isn’t about chasing significance or measured by the size of our audience, but by being faithful to the One we are serving. There is no greater joy than knowing our ordinary lives are being used by an extraordinary God!
Surviving Together In Loss And Love 
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