John F. Kennedy spoke the famous words, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” At the urging of the Holy Spirit, I found myself saying the words, “Ask not what God can do for you – ask what you can do for God.” 2024 has been a challenge, falling close on the heels of 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020. I saw my world fall apart after receiving a diagnosis of Major Neurocognitive Disorder, but I’m slowly adapting to my new reality. I saw infinite blessings on the birth of my grandson – grieving the distance between us but grateful I’m able to fly down and see him. My wife was laid off from her job only to discover she can retire early. Blessings and struggles all at the same time.
As I brought my struggles and fears to God, He put it all into perspective. Blessings bring hope while challenges grow faith. Both have the ability to bring me closer to Him. It can be difficult at times to keep from becoming bitter or resentful, as year after year passes with unanswered prayers, but watching videos of my grandson or exercising with friends reminds me to focus on all that God has provided. My wife is an amazing blessing to me, and I’ve discovered that when I’m focused on all the struggles, God reminds me I have a wife who loves me and takes care of me. No matter what I face, she’s by my side.
Focusing on faith is easier said than done. I can relate to those who feel abandoned by God. It’s hard to understand a God that allows suffering in this world. When the festivities of Christmas are colored by loss and disappointment, quaint sayings about Jesus as the reason for the season can fall on deaf ears. Wrapping up the year can bring regrets. It’s hard to remember that we are on earth to serve God not the other way around. So, I changed my prayers. I (mostly) gave up lifting up what I want God to do and replaced them with, “God, where do YOU want me to serve?” I changed the focus of what prayers God was supposed to answer and more on what I’m supposed to do to serve His children. It’s not my success but God’s.
Christmas is in three days and I’m not completely in the Christmas mood. I’m still thinking October is on its way not January. With the layoff, Christmas is simple this year but still I’m blessed. So, join me in focusing on what we can do to serve this amazing God instead of expecting Him to serve us.
Photo by mkjr_ on Unsplash
(I know it's random but I just really like this picture!)
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