Would you say you tend to be a content person? Or do you always desire more of the best stuff? As Christians, I believe at some point we’ve been challenged to find value in God rather than in the things of this world. I know I have. And when I’ve fixated on all the materialism and ways the world promises fulfillment, I usually crash and burn. In other words, I usually end up restless, unsatisfied, and wanting more. The truth of the matter is that living this way is living in bondage. Yes, attempting to find happiness in being successful, money, and acquiring all the niceties in life is a trap leading to bondage, not freedom. Instead of having satisfaction, it creates additional lusts (desires) that must be satisfied.

The Scriptures answer this challenge in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can’t carry nothing out. And having food and clothing let us be therewith content”. I’ve struggled with cultivating contentment, but God requires it from me. This type of contentment is when we are satisfied with the necessities of life, rather than being driven by a desire to accumulate the world’s goods. My greatest aim is to please God and hear Him say, “Welcome, my good and faithful servant”. What about you?

This is a new life for me. It is not what I anticipated when I was younger. Time has passed and adapting to older age has become a completely new world.  My mind is youthful, but my body cannot catch up. My question continues to be, “Lord, what would you have me do?” I then hear a quiet voice whispering to me, “Be still. Focus on me”.  My greatest desire is to know God’s perfect will for Sybil. What is my ministry purpose? I am not talking about the basics (read, pray, and love), but more specifically what is the calling in my life. Each of us was born to fulfill a specific purpose in this world. I know it’s there, but what is it? I have the thirst, I have the desire. I don’t what to grieve or quench the Holy Spirit, nor hold on to areas in my life that do not bring glory to God. My soul is crying out, “Show me”. The whisper comes again, “You’re not quite ready”. I am an impatient person, much better now than in the past. Okay, Lord, I will wait. I will be content no matter the circumstances. Maybe you can relate to what I am personally sharing.

Paul warned Timothy of misplaced affections toward false gods like money and worldly treasures, and to do his very best to be a man of God. To do this is to focus on Jesus. So, I have concluded living out my purpose means living in surrender to God. When I surrender to His will, it doesn’t mean sitting back and doing nothing. It means I continually seek Him as I move forward. The Bible promises He will make my path straight, (Proverbs 3:6) but for Him to direct my steps, I have to keep taking them. For quite some time I have had a vision and desire to start a ministry to disciple and teach women of all ages to learn how to firmly root their identity in Christ. I decided to seize any opportunities God placed in my path and trust Him with the outcome. One of those opportunities is the privilege of teaching God’s Word to women incarcerated in the detention facility. I know it wouldn’t happen without my obedience to take the first step and my surrender to His will every step of the way.

Though I have not figured it out yet, I have clues, I know God designed every person with unique incredible gifts that He wants to use to grow His church. I am praying and trusting the Holy Spirit’s guide to discover my purpose. Until then I will be content as I grow in godliness. Instead of struggling and what I mean by struggling is stressing and obsessing, I will embrace waiting until He shows His plan for me. I believe that He is working it all out because He knows my heart is to serve Him. If we acknowledge Him in everything, surrender our future, and try to make decisions that honor Him, His purpose for our lives will be revealed. In the meantime, let’s enjoy contentment and rest in Him. Colossians 3:23 tells us to put our heart and soul into every activity unto the Lord, and Colossians 3:2 tells us to stay focused.

If anyone is relating to this post, my prayer is we trust God to direct our steps toward the plans He has for us. Help us to see ourselves under the lens of His truth. Continue to show us the things we have overcome and where you’re leading us. Please continue to do Your work in us, so we’re prepared to serve in the role You have for each of us. We want to honor You with our whole life. Amen!