Even when you think your party is almost over...
By Anne Berger, Inspire Contributor
Ever heard the expression "the party isn't over?" Did you know that God has a "purpose party" planned for you? You'll definitely want to RSVP "yes" to this party! No matter what your age or physical predicament, He wants you to be excited about your "purpose party."
Don't be tricked into thinking that you can no longer fulfill God's purpose in your life. If you are still breathing, God has a purpose for you. Don't be a party pooper. "Your party isn't over!"
Over the past few years, I have seen a loved one's "purpose party" lived out before my very eyes. To natural man, what I have seen may be considered a meaningless existence, but I am so thankful to God that He has allowed me to see things from His spiritual perspective.
My mother-in-law, Jama, was an only child. Her relationship with her parents seemed almost perfect, as they truly had a wonderful relationship. Her parents' romantic marriage lasted for 63 years until Grandpa's death. A few years later, Grandma's health and mental alertness started to substantially decline and Jama had to make the difficult decision to move her into a nursing home. Even there, Grandma continued to live out God's "purpose party" for her life.
The nursing home was fully staffed to care for Grandma's needs, however Jama was committed to spending lots of time with her mother. She fed her lunch and dinner each day and tucked her into bed every night. Grandma's stay at the nursing home lasted nearly three years.
You must know that Jama is a woman of an incredibly strong faith and has a deep love for Jesus Christ, but that did not make her exempt from experiencing many tears and heartbreak over her mother's diminishing health. She felt deep heartache when her own mother sometimes didn't recognize her. She heard her mother's groans of agony when simply moved from side to side in bed. Why was this happening? Her mother had spent much of her life serving God, why was He keeping her here on earth in this condition? Why was He being so cruel?
My heart was so burdened for Jama and Grandma as I prayed for them. Then I feel that God showed me that what we perceived as a "downward spiral" in Grandma's life was really an incredible "upward spiral" of eternal significance.
God began to remind me of the times that I had traveled to visit Grandma at the nursing home with Jama. He showed me that when Jama would walk through the doors there, it was as if the sunshine was cutting through the clouds of darkness. That's exactly what it was, the SON-shining through her. The patients sitting there in their wheelchairs would look forward to that smile and interaction each day. She encouraged and comforted the other patients' family members. She had relationships with the staff members. Even in her own despair and heartache, He gave her the strength to rise to the occasion without her even being aware of what HE was truly doing. She planted HIS seeds in their hearts and some have already started a personal relationship with Christ as a result.
You see, Grandma's "purpose party" was being lived out through the lives of others, because He had allowed her to live those extra three years. Oh what joy she must have in knowing her "purpose party" continued on until her last breath and that God was glorified in a very big way! Now she is participating in the "ultimate eternal gala" in His presence.
My mother-in-law feels she is beginning a new phase of her life. She's already making plans to start a bible study group at the nursing home and taking steps to start teaching women's groups at church again. She can hardly wait to see where this next chapter of His "purpose party" for her life will take her.
Please realize that God's "purpose" in creating you, was to have an exciting and devoted personal relationship with you. Fix your eyes on Him and enjoy the process of your "purpose party." Each day brings new opportunities for the party. Take a look at Lamentations 3:23 and be reminded that His mercies are new every morning, great is His faithfulness.
I pray that HIS "purpose party" for my life will also be fulfilled in an exciting and eternal way until my last breath. My prayer is the same for you. PARTY ON... friends!!!
Anne Berger of "Encouraging Hearts For Christ" Ministries is an international Christian speaker and writer. She is the founder and president of "Girly Girls Glorifying God" Weekend Women's Conferences. Find out more by visiting: www.anneberger.com