When It's All Been Said and Done

"When it's all been said and done,  there is just one thing that matters. Did I do my best to live for truth? Did I live my life for You? When it's all been said and done, all my treasures will mean nothing. Only what I've done for love's reward, will stand the test of time." - Don Moen, When It's All Been Said And Done.

I decided to start this post with a quote from a Don Moen song. Martie and I are going through "The Boxes". You know the ones - yes those ones in the attic - out of site and out of mind - until you look at the contents and the memories and emotions rise up.

Martie and I have been on a number of unimaginable treks for the Kingdom sine 1992 really. What's that 30 years? All in response to the beckoning call of God, the Father.  Going through those boxes has stirred our hearts as we have relived the times and events reflected in the forgotten scraps of paper and photos in those boxes.

30 years, and yet, we are confident that God is not done with us - yet - that there are yet things to do for His glory and the good of others. That is the persistent calling of God. In those years, we have learned that God calls us to do what is beyond our grasp and abilities. Success is totally dependent upon Him and not us. 

Os Guinness in The Call wrote, "Calling is a matter of readiness. Readiness for followers of Christ is obedience honed to the highest level of responsiveness." We have found that over time our willingness to say "Yes, Lord" has become more immediate. Before our faith was stretched. We put out the fleeces - every which way but Sunday, as the saying goes. To test if it really was God. But now? We just pack our bags. We forsake what is in our hands to lay hold of what God has put in our hearts.

Os Guinness went on to write, "Calling is a matter of resolution. God calls men and women who will be committed to their life tasks with no reservations, no retreats [backing away from the calling], no regrets." God never promised that the road He sets our feet upon would be easy. In fact, it is impossible without Him. Examples of having no reservations - no retreats - no matter how difficult the circumstances come to mind. I am sure you remember the three men and the fiery furnace.  

"'[Nebuchadnezzar] If you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?'” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.'” - Daniel 3:15-18

But you might also remember this woman.

"Remember Lot’s wife. "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." - Luke 17:32-33

She had regrets about what she had left behind in Sodom. God's calling requires unqualified obedience - having a whole heart for God. You might remember that a few years ago I  wrote a book  - "Where Faith Is Waiting". I was told by one person that it sounded like I was boasting - about myself. Actually I was boasting about what the Lord had done through me - through us actually, because I was not alone - my life partner - Martie was at my side all the way.

"But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." - Galatians 6:14

The number of years that we have walked this earth has just ticked over 72. The number of years since our new birth will tick over 46 in September. The number of years since God called us out of the Army and into His service - 30 years.

Os Guinness, The Call, wrote that "Calling is the spur that keeps us journeying purposefully - and thus growing and maturing - to the very end of our lives."

God's retirement plan is that we take a one way trip to heaven - until then - we press on.

Henri Nouwen wrote, "He who thinks that he has finished is finished. Those who think they have arrived have lost their way." 

Where are you in your walk with the Lord. What are you prepared to do in response to His calling - no matter where you are in this life?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone