That Driving Force-February 8, 2008

About four years ago, during a Bible study, I was asked what drives me to do what I do. Thinking about it for a few days, I asked a few people who know me well what they thought. My mother told me it was always doing for others to please them, mainly my children and grandchildren. My beloved husband told me it was my faith. Thinking about it, I came to the conclusion that the driving force in my life was seeking approval. I just wanted everyone to think well of me. So, is that right? The only thing wrong with that way of thinking is, I found myself trying to be the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect friend. No matter what, I strived to please everyone, all the time. Of course, we all know, that's impossible. Not only is that a quick trip to failure, but spiritually speaking, being controlled by what other people think made me miss the real purpose of my life. It took two life changing crises to make me realize what my purpose in life is. I was in a position where I had no control over what was happening and I had no idea how it was going to end up. I had no choice but to turn it all completely over to God and to trust Him. Of course, serving others also serves God, but that can't be the driving force. I have had my faith all my life, but never have I been in the position I am in right now in my relationship with God. Total surrender and trust. God's word tells us that we should thank Him for trials and tribulations, and to be truthful, I found that hard to accept. Until now. Because without those two crises, I probably never would have really understood total, complete trust in God, believing He is in control, not me, and that in His perfect wisdom, everything will turn out for the best, eventually. The driving force in my life now is for everyone to see my faith in God and how it affects my life. I want my example to be seen and thought about by anyone I come in contact with. I pray everyday that the Holy Spirit helps me to think like Jesus, talk like Jesus, walk like Jesus so that I may be an example of who He is and how He is the only way to salvation. We all have a purpose in this life, and first and foremost, it is to serve God. He will do the rest. "You, Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in You." (Isaiah 26:3)