When I was a young man, there was a joke in the Stafford family that went something like this: “What is God ever going to do with Wess?”
It was a good question! I grew up in an African village, I had worked as an ambulance driver, I served in the U.S. Army, I was a disc jockey for a while, and I spent some time in France. I had lots of interesting experiences, but none of them seemed related. I laughed at that joke, too, but by the time I was finishing my master’s degree it was no longer funny. What was God going to do with me?
With great anticipation, I set out alone for one week to fast and pray, eager to hear God’s direction for my life.
I pitched my tent in a quiet place and, with pad in hand, I began to list the pros and cons of my various career options. I prayed and waited for God’s voice. I prayed for days. I waited for days.
Nothing! God was never more silent.
When I headed back to civilization, I was deeply disappointed. I angrily said to God, “I guess Your silence is my answer. You don’t need me after all!”
Then God spoke. He very clearly said, “You’re right, Wess. I don’t.”
I was stunned.
“Then why did you bother to make me?” I said aloud.
“To love me,” said the same voice. Just then a meadowlark warbled out a beautiful song. “Like that,” I heard Him say.
Suddenly my whole life fell into place. I could do that!
Forget achievement, fame or wealth. My life would be all about loving my Lord! I began thinking about the simplest jobs I might pursue. This new realization was so basic, yet so profound!
I’ll share the rest of this story with you tomorrow, but let’s pause here for a while today. Have you ever considered that God created you simply to love Him?
If you make that realization the center of all you do, it could drastically change your life.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” — Matthew 22:37–38 (NIV)
Prayer: We love You so much, Lord! We surrender fully to You and pray that Your love will guide us today and every day. May we simply be conduits of Your love to the children in our care.
Read all the One in Spirit devotionals.
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I remember the song in our Sunday School, Jesus loves me this I know For the Bible tells me so…..
Thank you for reminding that All we need is to Lord the Lord and the rest bis to trust bin His leading.
It is a joy to know that God created me above all else, To love me. Help me love you Lord!!
I echo the words of my friend who referred to this blogpost: “Thank the Lord for making you share this today!”. My heart is pierced by the truth of what you say. Today and everyday, especially in these dark days of my life, I will do what God has created for me to do. I will love the Lord.
I thank God for that word I am blessed! Thank you Lord for your undying love.
wow! When we think deeply about all the things we think God wants us to do for him, they draw us back to the fact that we must do them out of our love for God. I am blessed
Thank you for sharing this Papa Wess, Its exactly what I wanted to hear, especially as we begin this new year
This is such an encouraging post, Dr. Stafford! I definitely needed to be reminded of this truth, today!
Thank you for this post Mr. Stafford. I recently finished your book, and was deeply moved by your story and your plea for children. It is such a JOY and PRIVILEDGE to have found Compassion. 14 years ago I went on a missions trip…ever since I feel I’ve been searching for a ministry like Compassion where I could actually tangibly DO something for the children I saw living in extreme poverty. I am so thankful to have found this ministry, and after reading your story, you were clearly the best candidate for this job. God bless you Mr. Stafford, thank you for leading this organization so humbly and with a sincere desire to love our Lord. It warms my heart to see your love for Him. It makes me want to follow you. For anyone who hasn’t read his book yet…DO!
Thank the Lord for making you share this today!
I am in a very similar situation that you wrote about. I have been praying and waiting for days (weeks) as I look to change my career and fulfill my calling for the Lord. I had been thinking about how I would use my talents and gifts in a career for God. Then this past Friday, I realized that I wouldn’t even be able to breathe, let alone work at a job, without God’s sustaining grace. He does not need my talents and gifts!
I will be out of a job soon, in fact I may be forced to resign today. But regardless of where I work, or whether I have a job, what God wants me to do is to love Him. So I will love the Lord today, and trust Him for tomorrow.
Amen! I’ll be anxious to read the rest of the story.