May 13

Not only is the question of why I am here and what I am doing here important; it is important to note how God asks it. When he asked it of Elijah, he used his name: "What are you doing here, ELIJAH?"

My heart leaps when I sing the words of a praise song that goes, "I have a Maker; he knows my name."

We have a personal God. He is not just some powerful force. He is a living, personal Being, and he made you and me personal beings as well, so that we could have a relationship with him.

There will be times when we feel like Elijah, and want nothing more than to die and be free from this world of pain and sorrow, and to go home to be with God in a much more personal way. But until that day comes, there is work for us to do -- God's work. And he does not want us to run away from it even if that means a much better world for us with him in heaven. Until our task here on earth is done, we need to strengthen ourselves in him and continue working towards accomplishing all that he has given us to do.

Scripture for today: 1 Kings 19
Thought for today: If I am still alive, God still has work for me to do.
Prayer for today: Lord, grant me the balanced view of always wanting to go home and be with you, but always willing to wait behind and serve you here until the end.

MAY 13