While receiving reward and crowns denotes personal recognition and personal accomplishments, the ultimate goal is not to see who has the biggest sack of crowns when we meet Jesus, but to give Jesus the credit, the recognition, the honor, the glory that He so rightly deserves, for without Him we can do nothing. God has stirred me about the importance of allowing interruptions to take advantage of opportunities by always keeping our doors open. I would say that the word importance is an understatement. How about the thought that somebody’s eternity may be at stake? Nothing on earth could be more serious than that somebody whose eternal destiny is the lake of fire. That somebody who seeks your attention may be contemplating suicide. That somebody is in a failing marriage and is seeking a last-ditch effort in you because of the testimony of your marriage. That somebody may be financially in dire straits and seeks your wisdom because of the way Good has blessed you. Every opportunity God presents to us is an opportunity to be used by God to change lives.
Assisting in changing the direction of a life is a fundamental part of who we are as believers. God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die in our place so that our eternal destiny could be changed. God leaves us here on earth for a purpose; that purpose is to be used by Him in some way. The smallest, seemingly insignificant action on our part can change so much more than we could even imagine. Many years ago, my wife and I were attending an Independence Day celebration at her aunt’s home. There was an in-ground pool where my young son was playing in the shallow end. Hamburgers, hotdogs along with the normal holiday fare, conversations with friends and relatives seen only on special occasions. Then it happens, almost unnoticed, my son begins to slide down the grade in the pool, over his head. All I see is my wife rush to the pool side, quickly grab him and pull him from the water. This simple act not only saved his life, but this act also changed so many more things. He later was married, had children, and eventually passed away in an automobile accident, his wife followed in passing a few years later. My granddaughters soon asked my wife and I to adopt them, so, “my daughters” have been one of the greatest joys to raise than any other earthly gain as were all my children. Small seemingly insignificant acts change more than you think.
Revelation 3:8
I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
If people are truly our passion and love is our spirit, we would be eager to lay hold of every opportunity and appreciate each interruption to the glory of God. No mortal man can shut your open door. God will take that investment in YOUR open door and change far more than you think. God has uniquely equipped each of us with our own testimony. The Foundation Church Youth recently learned how powerful a personal testimony really is, even in the life of a young believer, that as you grow in Christ, your testimony grows as well. What better comforter is there than someone who has experience the same trials and pressures as you? You share how God has given you victory over each trial, each pressure, each fiery dart, each stumble, each worldly weight that would drag you down and entangle you. I recently came across this quote that has been attributed to various people: “One day, you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’ survival guide.”
James 1:12 CSB
Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Your testimony can give hope to those who are suffering. Your testimony didn’t come easy, did it? Then why waste it? What greater glory can you give God than to share what He’s done for you. What greater accomplishment will there be than to have someone in heaven thank you for taking the time to allow them to walk through the open door of your life.
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