A Voice ... In Vain?

     Ministry.  The thing we call pouring our lives into something or someone.  The fight in us that will go to great measures to be a voice, to call someone out, to make a difference in someones life.  It's also the thing that quickly defines our true motives, our real make up.  Is this about me getting the results I want, or is it still about Jesus?
     The tough thing then that it hard to grapple with, is when after having stepped out to be a voice, after much prayer and time spent, it appears to be of no avail.  All the emotional energy, the seeking God for wisdom and direction, digging in the Word to share, everything we thought we were doing so right.  We tend to take it personal, tend to wonder what we did wrong, did we fight in vain?
     Then my mind goes to my dear Savior, Jesus!  The one who died so many years ago, not for just the ones who would except Him, but everyone!  He didn't decide ahead of time who was worthy of His death; only die for the ones who would receive it, make sure He didn't go through that torcher, pain and death in vain.  Neither did He put His Spirit of conviction and the draw of His Spirit on only those who will respond, at least not that I'm aware of.  It seems every day He is drawing and calling and fighting for the souls of those who do not yet know Him.  Everyday He is turned away, disappointed, His death made to no avail in individuals lives.
     As humans we want guard ourselves, stay on the safe side, make sure what we are fighting for is going to have the end results we want, make it worth the fight.  But I'm beginning to wonder, maybe that's not to be our concern.  Sure, we need to be lead by the Spirit, know that we are stepping out in obediance to what He wants us to do, but maybe it won't always "turn out".  Maybe Jesus just needed another human to love through, speak through, and represent Himself through.  Maybe He wants to call out through us in human form, just like He's doing in so many ways behind the scenes... Another voice, another reminder.  The rewards may not always be obvious, it may look like a waste of time, but I also believe representing Jesus will never be in vain.  He deserves to be represented and spoken for no matter the results!  You will receive your reward!
  

What Matters?

     The text message typed on a friends phone and handed to you in church, then the phone call.  The shock.  The numbness that clouds your mind as you try your best to grasp the information that is coming through the little black object at your face!
     There is nothing like the passing of a loved one, to put ones life into perspective.  My uncle at the age of 49, living his normal life, and suddenly gone!
     For one thing, it challenges me to not take for granted the people that are in my life.  Do, I let them know how much I appreciate them?  Do I build relationships, take time for people?  I don't know when the time will come that I wish I could and they won't be here.
     It's when one is face to face with someone who has just stepped into eternity that the reality of what really matters, hits home in a fresh way.  So, I make money, focus on passing issues, get caught up with my world, my wants and wishes.  But held up to the dazzling light of eternity, those things suddenly shrivel into oblivion.  I scrap through the ashes at my feet for the thing that will shine and glisten with lasting value, the solid substance that I can carry with me into my "real life" (eternity).  I find it to be relationships.
     Relationship, first of all with God, and then relationship with others... My heart on the path to eternal bliss, while encouraging, blessing and bringing along others on the same path! 
     Wow!  Life really is pretty uncomplicated!  . . . but how easy to loose focus!