Only One Life

Saturday, January 30, 2021
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Listen while you read: "Are You Washed In The Blood"1 (Lyrics)

"Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last." – C.T. Studd

Life is short and I can live it only once, so I'd like to make the best use of it. I cannot do everything, but I can certainly do some things well. Sometimes, we may be able to identify the things that we can do best by going through a process of elimination: "I can't __________, but I can __________." Recognizing what I can't do helps me to understand better what I can do.

For example, I recognize that I could never have been an opera star. That was the wrong aspiration for me. However, I have enjoyed singing in church choirs and community choral groups. In this case, I'm best suited for teamwork, not a starring role. I did not have what it takes to be a Rhodes Scholar or to qualify for Mensa — wrong league for me. I have a college degree, however, and I can get many of the correct responses for Jeopardy! I would never have aspired to be CEO of a major corporation — not in my range of skills. I have exercised leadership, nonetheless, as a teacher, Sunday school superintendent, committee chair, etc. I am not an artist — not my talent — but I love to paint pictures with words.

But before we too quickly eliminate all possibilities of the things that we feel ill-equipped to do, remember that Moses tried to use his perceived inability to do what God asked him to do as an excuse for not doing it. God made it clear that Moses' inability was not a valid excuse, because He Himself would equip Moses for the job that he was asked to do.

Exodus 4:11-12 – Then the Lord asked Moses, "Who makes a person's mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say." (NLT)

So it is with us. We may recognize our abilities as a fitting gift to offer to God in service, but we can also offer our inabilities, trusting Him to use our weaknesses as well as our strengths. As we give our lives wholeheartedly for our Master's use, He will use us as He chooses.

2 Corinthians 12:9a – Each time [God] said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." (NLT)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we are Your servants, and we are each gifted in unique ways to bring glory to You. Show us how we can serve You best, whether in strength or in weakness. May we faithfully use our gifts and abilities to make a difference in the world around us. Amen.

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About the author:

Gail Lundquist <gail10833@gmail.com>
Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Thanks for the encouragement, Gail.


    Interesting perspective, Gail. Thanks for writing.


    Dear Gail
    What an inspiring devotion today. Thank you.


    Thank you for your devotional today. Spoke to my heart.
    Blessings.


    Thank you, Gail, for this devotional reminder of God’s ability to use our inability for His glory. Blessings.


    Hello Gail
    Thank you for this today. It is very encouraging for me. God bless.


    Nice one, Gail!
    Thanks for sharing.
    He has chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise.
    Blessings.


    Very effective devotional this morning, Gail. I will remember this as I begin leading… not teaching… a Sunday morning class on Matthew, and I am no Bible Scholar. We shall see how that goes and I will remember this devotional.


    Good morning Gail,
    Your message is right on and we need to understand that God is in control of everything and we need to talk to him to be able to carry out his wishes in our lives. I joined in your prayer today with joy in my heart that I am able to serve our Lord. May you have a blessed day.


    Oh Gail, I certainly needed this devotional today – the reminder that God equips us and can use both our weaknesses and strengths as we offer ourselves wholeheartedly to Him!
    I have personalized your wonderful prayer and am making a copy to use regularly!
    Thank you!


    Good one! for sure. All the gifts God gives us in measure, and we must use what we have. I play guitar. I call it camp guitar. I can lead a song in praise to the Lord. My son cut a CD and has a much greater gift which he uses for God’s glory. If we all give what we have to Him, it’s amazing what can happen! “Jesus bids us shine” is a great little song. Blessings. Thanks.


    Thank you, Gail. Thank you for your challenges that many need, big or small. If we listen to answer what the Lord wants you to do, DO IT!! I am 96 and still doing it. Of course, I’m limited in many things I can’t do any longer, but I still drive, sing in choir, phone calls, and other things for church staff and others. God is so good, and I give back what I can.
    I live with my daughter and hubby and so far, so good since I still can be independent.
    I know that could change anytime when the Lord has another. So until then, I’ll keep doing and thanking Him.


    Dear Gail,
    So true. I appreciate your devotional reminders.


    During my life, certain gifts have come to the forefront, then later these have receded, and others came forward.
    As if God has switched channels. The earlier gifts have not gone they have receded. It seems sometimes God calls you into a specific task and then it ends. So never say never. Something new and challenging may await you.

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