A friend ended his job last year, but he didn’t retire. He called it repurposing. Being an extremely successful executive, he’s shifted his experiences and resources to helping the homeless. This current pandemic has disrupted daily routines and shaken our purposes. One man exclaimed, “No sports! What am supposed to do now?” Many have been forced to shift from the well-worn paths of familiar agendas. But while lesser purposes are crumbling an unshakable all satisfying purpose emerges.
Hours before Jesus would be crucified on our behalf, He said: “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”[1]
He demonstrated this uncommon love earlier when he washed the disciples’ feet. Completely secure in His Father’s love, Jesus needed no affirmation from men. This allowed Him to feely wash Peter and Juda’s feet, whom He knew would soon deny and betray Him.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are loved in this same complete way. He’s inviting us to settle in and remain in His great love: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” [2]
As we prepare to love like Jesus, we must start with resting in and feasting upon His love for us. “We love, because He first loved us.” [3]
A dear lady took this opportunity to write notes to older folks in our church. She included a verse (Psalm 34:4) and comforting words of encouragement. God gave her the words to write. She offered her time and pen.
After she mailed them, folks began to contact her, sometimes in tears. Joy reigned. A friendship began.
Gladness continues to fill her heart, even though she had to be tested for the virus herself a few days later.
Her having such joy in loving others makes perfect sense. See what Jesus said about us to sacrificially love others: “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.” [4]
What if loving others is what life is really all about? What if we get a clearer vision of this greater purpose in these dire days? What if loving becomes our main daily agenda? What if “normal” activities are not the main thing, but the opportunity to bring us folks to love? What if we now understand we can have complete joy in spite of any circumstance?
God can and is using this virus for good in folk’s lives. Perhaps what seems like repurposing is really just leading us to our main purpose all along – knowing God’s love and giving it away?
Lord, the path ahead is unclear, yet You’re near. Even in uncertain times, You comfort, You guide, You gladden our hearts. Thank you for the joy I’m experiencing because of my union with You. Who do you want to love through me today?
[1] John 15:12 NASB
[2] John 15 9 NIV
[3] I John 4:19
[4] John 15:11 NASB
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures. Subscribe below to get email notifications of new posts. We post a few times a month. Thank you for reading.
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