God Has a Purpose for Your Life: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21 NIV).

You might be thinking that God has no purpose for your life right now. God does have a purpose for your life. It does not matter how old you are. I just listened to my favorite Christian music station and as soon as I turned on the radio I heard, “If you have a pulse, you have a purpose.” As long as you have breath in your body, you can serve the Lord in some way. I keep remembering the lady who John Ortberg described in his book. She had been in the nursing home for many years not being able to walk. In spite of her condition she told everyone around her about her friend Jesus. She never complained about her life. If she could have this wonderful Christian attitude and be a witness in her condition, surely we can show others Jesus’ love also.

You are so important as a witness for Christ. You have talents and abilities that can only be used by you. Do not lose hope, but continue to remember that what you do in Jesus’ name will not be done in vain. One of my favorite verses is: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ( Galatians 6:9 NIV).

So this week concentrate on using your talents and abilities to serve the Lord where you are. If you are at work, do your job with a Christlike spirit. Show compassion, love, and be encouraging. Be aware of people who need assistance and help them. Smile and say kind words to those around you. Many people just need to know that someone cares about them. And always remember, your purpose is to be a representative of Christ to others.

Dear Lord,

Help me to believe you have a purpose for my life, and that it is up to me to use my abilities and talents to show your love to others. Help me to not grow weary in doing good, knowing that you will give me the strength to carry on your will for my life.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

God is With You in Your Crisis: a devotion by Ann Broughton

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them” (Psalm 145: 18-19 NIV).

I have recently gone through a crisis and can testify that God was with both my husband and I during the last six weeks. On Nov. 25^th my husband fell down some steps and broke both arms. He had to have surgery and a plate and screws were put in his wrist to stabilize the bones. I am not a good person in a crisis. I usually panic, cry, and become hysterical. This time I was completely calm and drove him to the hospital emergency room. I prayed all the way there for my husband and that God would help us both. God helped me remain calm in a situation that was out of my control. I could not have done it on my own. His surgery went well and then came six weeks of healing and not being able to take care of himself. I had to take care of all of his needs since he could not use either arm. I am not a nurse and never wanted to be one, but was thrust into the role. I prayed a lot for God to help me. He gave me the strength I needed every day to help Rick with his needs, and I did not even have a fybromyalgia flare during that whole time, which was a miracle.

Now I cannot say that I did not ask God why this had to happen. But when I did, I was reminded of Job, which I was so glad I had read. Job lost his children, his animals, and was covered in sores. Job did not know why all of this occurred but still refused to curse God. He did cry out to the Lord though and wondered why all of this was happening. God answered by asking him questions that Job could not answer. Such as, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (Job: 38:4 NIV). Job was humbled and this is the verse I love the most. “Then Job answered the Lord: “I am unworthy-- how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.” (Job 40:4 NIV). You see Job was being tested to see if he truly loved the Lord. Sometimes we do not know why bad things happen to us, but we must trust God to be there for us and love us in the midst of our crisis.

Rick and I felt God’s presence every day. He gave us strength, patience, and peace in the midst of our problems. I knew it would not help to question why it happened, because accidents happen. I did know that my God was big enough to help us through it and He did.

We all have to go through some sort of crisis as we walk on this earth. Please know that if you trust in God, He will not fail you. He will give you peace in the midst of your crisis and fill you with His strength.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the peace that only you can give during a time of crisis. Thank you for the strength to carry on even when our own strength is failing.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen