Calling 3 – Final Call

2 Timothy 4: 7-8  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Joshua

Our calling may be as specific as mine into Youth Ministry, but the reality is that we all are called by God to live our lives in such a way that the kingdom shows to others.  Many times I have fallen short of that but oh what a promise God has for all of us who seek him. He gives us gifts, talents, struggles, people and so much more to hone us in becoming more and more Christlike.  I have been SO blessed by God through my life and have had memories, and opportunities that make me tear up.  Love, family, moments, my kids, grandkids, and so much more.  I thank God daily for these and fell like God is still teaching me daily how to be more like Him.  Sometimes, I regret how dense I was in getting it together quicker.  

Now as I move into the later stages of life, I reflect on all these things and give thanks to God for all He has blessed me with.   The words that Paul speaks to Timothy above come to mind often and I just ask God to help me finish this race, having fought the best I could and still growing towards Him.  For the crown of righteousness is there for me.  But even more it tells me it is there for all who are seeking him.  My prayers are filled so much with the hope that family, friends, students, who I have had the privilege are fighting the good fight and waiting for that crown.  I love Joshua as he ended his life had a closing prayer that is one of my favorites of all time.  It is my prayer too.  

Joshua 24:15    But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”