Work for His Glory
Psalm 90:17
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.
Last evening I had a “texting conversation” with a dear friend. After battling a serious illness, she will be returning to work in six weeks. She is not looking forward to going back. She is exhausted. Her journey has been long and hard. She is ready to retire, rest, and not have a structured work schedule. She is ready for a break; simply enjoy life. But, sadly, she is unable to retire for another year.
As I have thought back over my career, I asked myself “What encouragement, if any, can I possibly offer? What instructions have I given my kids? What would I tell them now?” At different seasons of my life, I had differing needs when it came to my job, different perspectives. My attitude is the only thing that I can control so I will start with it. I made a conscious choice each day to be grateful and have fun in my job. I have always told my children “If you find a job that you love, then, you never have to work a day in your life.” I tried to find something about every job that I loved. Most of the time, for me, it was the people. My goal was always to be the best at whatever I did, put my whole heart into it and help someone. Honestly, people are difficult. But I remember the wise advice from my grandmother “Always take the time to find the good in every person. Even the worst person in the world has at least one good trait. Look hard to find it. Encourage them with it.”
So, I have tried to start with and maintain a positive “can do” attitude. I apply Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I truly believe He strengthens me and sustains me every day. he is with me, for me.
Each day, I would wake up early, read my Bible, pray and journal. I don’t think there is anything more important than focusing on God. Beginning with and ending each day with the LORD is like “book ends”; it allows God to hold you and your life firmly together.
It took me years to realize that life is NOT about me and I am NOT in control. Once I learned this it was an “Ah Ha” moment. I surrendered my will to Him and began laying the burdens at His feet.
Psalm 90:17
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands.
Ephesians 6:10-12
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
The Bible tells us that we are in a spiritual battle. This is a battle of epic proportion! We have an enemy that is out to kill, steal and destroy! We have to develop our awareness and be alert at all times; staying on guard against his schemes. How? By fixing our minds on Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when your get up.
Hebrews 3: 1
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.
I am a morning person. So, I would be one of the first people at Corporate Center, arriving between 5:00 and 6:00 am. My desk sat inside a cubicle with multiple colleagues surrounding me. At my desk, I kept an open Bible, a daily devotion calendar that I read and I began my day by reciting Psalm 27.
Psalm 27
The LORD is my light and my salvation-
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life-
of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked advance against
me to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
One thing I ask from the LORD,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock.
Then my head will be exalted above my enemies
who surround me;
at his sacred tent I will sacrifice withshouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.
Hear my voice when I call, LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.
My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”
Your face, LORD, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.
Teach me your way LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.
I would pray for my “cube mates” and would often walk around the office praying over the conference rooms and offices before my team members arrived. This was not a “nice” jester. This was my battle plan and tactic. The daily warfare was intense, to say the least. The darts and arrows were replaced with cannons and nuclear bombs! I knew I could not do one second of one day without Jesus in the workplace. The enemy is fierce and relentless. His time is limited! If we think differently, we have bought into his lies. We have to constantly remember that we are in a battle. But, we must also remember Jesus is victorious and we are never alone! He goes before us, is in us and follows behind us!
1 Peter 5: 7-8
Cast all you anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prows around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray continually
The roaring lion is always ready to pounce on us and devour us. We cannot let down our guard! To stay alert we need to pray continually. Many of my prayers are not lengthy or eloquent. They are honest and authentic; from my heart. “Help me, Jesus!”
I watched Jesus work in me. He took difficult people and used them as sandpaper to hone me and sand off my rough edges. He taught me to love the unlovely and bless those that curse me. I watched Jesus take impossible people, circumstances and do miracles. He would remove boulders and obstacles; creating highways of openness and opportunity. Where there was “no way”, He would create a way. I watched Him and open and close doors. Only God! I experienced, first hand, His power of turning “an enemy” into a dear, respected and trusted friend. Only God can change hearts and minds of what we perceive to be the most difficult individuals. He can take the bitter and make it sweet.
Each day He has a plan for our lives. At the time we are going through it, we may not see it or understand the purpose. We don’t have to. We need to “fix our eyes on Jesus”; daily walk in His ways. We need to surrender our wills to Him.
Proverbs 3: 5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Jesus says
“Begin and end your day with me.
Keep your eyes fixed so you can see.
I will show you the way.
To walk with me, each second of every day.
Keep your mind fixed on my word.
So when I speak, my voice is heard.
Be obedient. Do what I say.
Talk with me. Continually pray.
I will make your path straight.
I will open doors to a closed gate.
I will take all of your sorrow.
I will give bright hope for tomorrow.
Put your spiritual armor on each morning
In your heart a new work, I am forming.
Follow me.
I am leading you through this life
to your home in eternity.”
Photo Credit: Dawid Zawiła
