Now What?

It's the early afternoon. The kids are finally asleep for their afternoon nap. Now, what to do with the couple hours I have to myself. Today, I decided on Bible reading. I am attempting to follow my church's reading plan for the year. I'm focusing on the book of Genesis. I am surprised at how deceitful some of the people were, people chosen to be used by God. Isaac and Rebecca were deeply in love, but Rebecca helped her son Jacob steel his brother Esau's blessing. And this is after Jacob had already demanded Esau to sell him his birthright for a bowl of stew. Isaac and Rebecca also had favorites between their kids (big no no in my book). These people seem like they were a mess, but God used them to become a great nation and through them Jesus Christ our savior came into the world. 


It is encouraging to me to read of God's faithfulness despite human shortcomings. As much of a mess as we may be at times, God is faithful to meet us where we are. If we offer ourselves to Him, willing to obey no matter the price, He will use us, and we can have great impact in the world around us. God is not looking for perfect people to serve Him, just obedient people. How do we know what He wants us to do? In Matthew 22:37, Jesus says the most important thing we can do is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Then secondly to love others as ourselves. The latter is sometimes the most difficult, but has the most profound impact on those around us. When you show true kindness and God's love to people, especially those who have wronged you, the gospel is preached without even saying a word. Of course it is hardest to do this with those we know the best, our spouse or a family member. 


As I finish out this week I will continue to be thankful that God loves me as I am, shortcomings and all, and that He can use me even when I think I am unusable. I will endeavor to walk in love with those around me, especially my dear husband and children, being thankful that God has given them to me. I will try to be obedient to God each day, and if it is to simply take care of my family and to walk in love with all those around me, I'll do it. I may impact many along the way without even realizing it. Love God. Love people. :)


Interesting side note in reading through Genesis, I did some math, and if I calculated correctly, Methuselah, who lived 969 years, died the year of the flood. So my question is, did he die in the flood or of natural causes in the weeks or months before. I guess we'll never know. What do you think?