I don’t have any of the titles in life that the world says you need to prove you’ve succeeded. I’m not a manager, a Mrs., a mom, or even a missionary. My career hasn’t accelerated to the top, and my relationships didn’t last. I previously was a missionary overseas, but that was long ago. What am I doing with my life? What will I leave behind when I’m gone?
God keeps reminding me of Psalm 47:4a, “He will choose our inheritance for us” (NKJV). I keep getting caught in the patterns of this world that say we should make a name for ourselves. That our titles matter. Yet, God will choose our inheritance for us. He knows how to best use our lives to build His kingdom. This lesson crops up in my life over and over again. I want to get ahead, and God wants me to stay humble. The Sunday before Labor Day, I heard a sermon on the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25:14-30. One servant received five talents and used them to make five more talents. The second servant received two talents and make two more. The third servant only received one talent, but instead of investing it, he buried his talent in the ground. The first two servants received the master’s praise when he returned, but the third was scolded for wasting what he’d been given. His talent was taken and given to him who had five talents. I don’t want to squander the talents that God has given me. Sometimes, I compare myself to others. Just because I am not Priscilla Shirer doesn’t mean that my writings are worthless. I started writing a Bible study on the whole armor of God in 2008, but shelved it until 2015. When I began the work, no one had published a study on the topic. However, by the time I picked it up again, Priscilla Shirer completed a strong study on the armor of God. I was so discouraged. How could I compete with her? God reminded me that I didn’t have to contend with anyone. I’m not supposed to be Priscilla Shirer. I am supposed to be the best Joanna Eccles I can be. My job is to obey God’s calling, not try to be someone else. Isaiah 1:19 says, “If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land” (NKJV). If I am obedient to use my talents, He will nourish me with a feast. I am to do my best as unto the Lord and let Him choose what to do with my efforts. For my writing, my manuscript remains unpublished, and only God knows what He will do with it. He will share the words He has given me to the audience that needs to hear them. Maybe my blog only reaches 23 people. If those are the ones that need it, then I have honored Him. This truth applies to all areas of my life. Years from now, if no one has ever heard of Joanna Eccles, that’s fine. My role is to invest in spreading the renown of Jesus’ name. My title as obedient Daughter of the King will follow me into eternity and bring the joy of the Lord. That’s a life worth living because it lays up an eternal inheritance that cannot be taken away.
10 Comments
This reminds me of the song “ I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody how Jesus saved my life. “ From someone who knows you Joanna , you have always “ been about Your heavenly Fathers business.” You are in The Who’s Who's in His book about his children who put His kingdom first in their lives and always try to honor Him. God is faithful. Our rewards here on this earth are fleeting but His are eternal and He will greet you “Welcome my good and faithful servant “ and with eternal rewards. He’s got you now too!!!
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Joanna Eccles
9/27/2020 08:03:54 pm
Thanks for the words of encouragement.
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Joanna Eccles
9/27/2020 08:01:30 pm
It's a reminder I often need as the enemy tries to pull me into lies. I just fight back with truth.
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9/17/2020 11:09:27 am
Such a wonderful word of encouragement. His gifts will be the best ever.
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9/17/2020 02:51:00 pm
This is a beautiful reminder for each of us! Truly, if He is our only inheritance then that is enough.
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Joanna Eccles
9/27/2020 08:02:18 pm
God is enough for us because He is so good to us.
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9/19/2020 09:57:32 pm
Sometimes we need this reminder--we are God's children and our calling in life is to serve Him. It's hard not to be envious when we see all these successful authors, renowned Bible study teachers, and bloggers with 10 million followers.. But you've reminded us of the important thing--our inheritance comes from God, He has the plan for our lives, and it's better than anything we can imagine. Thank you, Joanna!
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Joanna Eccles
9/27/2020 08:03:21 pm
Yes, God knows who He wants to read our words, and maybe sometimes 10 is better than 10 million. The Lord knows what He is doing.
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AuthorJoanna Eccles has led Bible studies for over twenty years and completed the year-long C. S. Lewis Fellows Program. She is passionate about discipleship and helping people grow in Christ. Joanna enjoys coffee and reading, and currently lives in Florida. Categories
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