Living Life by Design

As a child in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, I looked forward to Saturday morning. Partly because there was no school, but mostly because of cartoons. I looked forward to “Tom & Jerry”, “Space Ghost”, “Johnny Quest”, and most of all, “Scooby Doo”. I loved how Scooby and the gang would arrive in their Mystery Machine Van, confront a scary situation and always make things right. I still have a Mystery Machine Christmas ornament that’s proudly displayed on our Christmas tree each year.

As Christian’s, we too are called to make a difference in the lives of those around us. However, most people are reluctant to trust God with their present (& future) because they fear God will make them do something that they have no desire to do or complicate their already busy life.

If your heart (will) is surrendered to him, God will give you the desire to do whatever he is calling you to do. If he is calling you to a ministry with your church, that is where your heart will be. If he is calling you to be an example of Christ at your work, he will give you that desire. If you surrender to his will, he will bring about ‘his good purpose’ (Philippians 2:13).

What God wants for your life is always, always good. It will not necessarily be easy, but you will not be able to improve on his plan. He will also give you the energy and strength you need: ‘That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure’ (v.13 MSG).

The Apostle Paul knew the joy of going from town to town, arriving in the Gods Mystery Machine…lol. He writes, ‘Do everything readily and cheerfully – no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night’ (vv.14–16a, MSG).

You have the immense privilege of being able to give people not just money, and not just kind assistance, but ‘the word of life’ (v.16). There is no greater joy than seeing people who are spiritually dead come to life through Jesus.

Now, warm up the Mystery Machine, and go out and make a difference today…