Storylines: Piecing it all Together

Early in the 20 century, an ad in a London newspaper read:
“Men wanted for hazardous journey: small wages, bitter cold, long
months of complete darkness, and constant danger. Safe return
doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” It was signed
by the famous Arctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton and thousands
of men responded.

Warren Wiersbe wrote his own passage that if Jesus Christ had advertised for workers, the announcement
might have read something like this:

“Men and women wanted for difficult task of helping to build My church. You will often be misunderstood, even by those working with you. You will face constant attack from an invisible enemy. You
may not see the results of your labor, and your full reward will
not come till after all your work is completed. It may cost you
your home, your ambitions, even your life.”

II Timothy 2:3-7 says "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

Sometimes it is very hard to find our purpose in life. We question our past and look so much into the future, and we never pause to piece everything together. Have you ever stopped to think that maybe you have experience all of the pain and hardship because it was not only preparation for you, but was also preparation for ministry?

You might not be called to be a preacher or a pastor, but everybody is called to be a minister.

Take a minute and reflect on the things that have been difficult for you as a believer. Have they made you stronger? More knowledgeable?

Your life is a story. God is writing what He wants to write. Don't try to take the pen out of His hand. Endure hardship like a good soldier, and don't get entangled with this life. Please the One who enlisted you as a soldier. Piece it all together.