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The 20's Challenge: Finding Purpose in Every Moment Although humorous, this is sadly a depiction of how both young men and women can view their state of singleness.
In your 20's, you might be getting a bit anxious to run your own home/lead your own family. Because it's difficult as a single adult, finding your place in the family and in life where you are.
Your parents are now more your friends and advisers than what they used to be. You're done with routine school, but still have opportunities to learn. You feel a bit more independent, desiring to provide a small income to meet basic needs that previously parents have met. Perhaps you have some opportunities to travel or help other families, but you still feel the urge to "do something big."
We get stuck in the mundane moments, never stopping to drink in blessings and express gratitude. We are at fault for not putting at the forefront of our minds that we serve a Creator of purpose. We can also fall into looking too far in longing for the future.
I had a self pity moment about wanting to "do something big" not long ago. Mom gently admonished me using a common parable, but one I often forget.
Every moment, we plant seeds. We are in the gardener's position now. And like a garden, seeds don't come to fruition for some time. But our humanness wants immediate gratification. We love to pat ourselves on the back after a 'big' accomplishment. We are impatient, seeking self glory constantly.

Mother also pointed to Jeremiah 29:11. People use that verse constantly. For graduation, taking a big step, encouraging others to move forward because that verse promises something big in the future. But I think we've taken this verse out of context. The title of the chapter is called "A Letter to the Exiles."

The promise God was giving to his people would not be fulfilled for 70 years. Doesn't sound so promising does it?
But it's a glorious example of how God can work long term. The beauty of this story and what it gives to my heart, is that you or I cannot foresee the future.  We can't know what God is doing in every moment of our lives, and we can trust in His promises, even if there are trials in the present.
So even if you feel you are doing the same thing every day with your siblings, or cleaning the house, or just doing hard work over and over, it counts. It matters. You can unknowingly impact people in the simplest ways. You can plant seeds. You can sing hymns while washing dishes, signifying to your siblings that you're working "as to the Lord." Small things can take root and grow and it could change their motives in everything.
Our God has a plan. Never forget that. Wherever you are, whatever your tasks may be, God is there, and He is using every small act for His purpose. Take heart dear souls, and press on!
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." Winston Churchill
"What is man's chief end?- To glorify God and enjoy him forever." (Larger catechism)

Posted by Bria Cosper at 12:16 PM Labels: preparing for marriage, Womanhood John-Mark said...

Great post. Thanks for sharing the Jeremiah scripture. How often I forget that God has His own timing. 70 years....

How's the funding for the Peru trip coming along? That is something big!

Happy Birthday :-) BTW

March 8, 2014 at 6:32 PM Bria Crawford said...

*Looks embarrassed* just saw I had neglected to answer you John-Mark.

God blessed the funds tremendously! I had all I needed over a month ago. He is so good. I can't way to see how he uses me and what He will teach me.

April 4, 2014 at 2:43 PM