LASTING HAPINESS. 088

Those who give their lives to Christlike ministry know the meaning of true happiness. Their interests and their prayers reach far beyond self. They themselves are growing as they try to help others. {9T 42}

I used to desperately want to get accepted to medical school. I worked and still work relatively hard to do extracurricular activities and to get a GPA that would make me a competitive applicant. Being older, nearing my thirties, getting into medical school was associated with the fact that I finally wanted to start my life; I wanted to make money, get married and do all the things people typically want to do at this stage of life. There were many factors that acted as obstacles to me getting accepted and these only served my somewhat anguish. But then.

I asked myself, why I wanted to be a physician, the obvious answer was that I wanted to do God's work in the most impactful way possible. If this was the case then, why wasn't I working for God now? If I wasn't working for God now, what makes me think I would just magically start then? Well I was/am busy now... will I not be busy then? Will being a doctor solve all the problems that arise when one undertakes the task of spreading God's message? No, whether pauper or doctor, one needs faith. Is faith only for doctors to exercise? Of course not.

God asked Moses, "What is in your hand?" Moses just saw a stick, God saw limitless potential. Often what we have -IN OUR POSSESSION, AT THIS VERY MOMENT- is enough for us to -start- to do what God is calling us to do. If we do not start now, we will not start then, what we do with the little, we will do with the much.

As the Lord impressed these thoughts on my mind, I began to devote less hours to studying and filled my time up with the most that I could do now; group and individual Bible studies, this blog, videos on social media and other things. The opportunities still came, the grades got even better and most importantly the peace that surpasses understanding took residence inside me.

Are my aspirations the same? Of course, but they are quite literally, in God's hands. After all, if it is God's work, won't He do it in His time and way? My prayers now include those I study the Bible with and for the resolve to say "The Lord is my Shepherd, I, shall, not, want - therefore it, is, well, with, my, soul.

This to me is happiness. How does this relate or challenge you? comment down below so we can connect.

They become familiar with the largest plans, the most stirring enterprises, and how can they but grow when they place themselves in the divine channel of light and blessing? Such ones receive wisdom from heaven. They become more and more identified with Christ in all His plans. There is no opportunity for spiritual stagnation. Selfish ambition and self-seeking are rebuked by constant contact with the absorbing interests, the elevated aspirations, which belong to high and holy activities. {9T 42}

- Spiritual stagnation X

- Selfish ambition X

- Self-seeking X

- Elevated aspirations: yes!

- High and holy activity: yes!

Father, please give us the experience of seeking first Your kingdom, teach us what this means. Save us from ourselves, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, work a miracle in us please,

IJN

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