Paul’s Last Words

epitaph

What do you want your epitaph to say? Have you ever thought about it? If not, I’d suggest that you do. The way we learn how to live our best life is by thinking from the perspective of death. What do you want said about the summation of your life? Once you decide this, it will define how you live today.

Here is what Paul wanted us to remember about his life, according to Acts Chapter 20. I think it’s a prime example of the way we ought to live in order that one day, we too, might look into the eyes of the Creator of the Universe and hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant…” (Matthew 25:21)

1. I have been faithful to do what Jesus told me to do. (v. 24)

2. I told the truth. (v. 20, 27)

3. I directed people’s attention towards Jesus and not towards me. (v. 19)

4. I finished Strong. (v. 24)

5. I gave more than I took. (v. 33, 35)

If you die tomorrow, what will your epitaph say? Think about it.

 

 

Don’t Waste Your White Space

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t waste your white space. Just because you don’t think anything is going on in your life, doesn’t mean God’s not at work. He uses white space, the down time of our lives, to prepare us. It is standard practice in His method of preparation. Look at any of His chosen ones. Paul was chosen yet God took nearly two decades to prepare him.

YOU, TOO, ARE HIS CHOSEN ONE! So don’t underestimate the times in your life when it seems like you’re not moving forward. “The White Space” is God’s garden in His preparation for your blossoming. It is where He does His best work in preparing you for His calling on your life. 

Remember, God calls you first to Himself and then only secondarily to a task. That means, that what God is doing IN you is just as important, if not more important, than what He is doing THROUGH you. So if He is taking longer than you expected to fulfill what He promised in your life, respond with faith. He always keeps His promises. And definitely, definitely, don’t waste your white space.