Darren, Many people believe I have been gifted with the ability to sing and speak to people. I can remember, when I use to be afraid to say hello to people I was so shy. I went to church many years before anyone knew I could sing or speak about anything. Well, I know this all came from God. Without him I would have never got up there believe me. What kept me singing was my need to express to people my love for god. I also, wanted to comfort hurting people.
Now for some real thoughts. I think many stay in sports or what ever they do for glory. God, knows if they do. Some just for the sheer love .
I believe god enables us to stay in the race for life eternal. Is that not the hardest race man every run. I see you as in the race. We are all in the same boat.
Now, something I want to share with you Darren, I was really involved with my church. I had become very ill and quit going. The pastor not once called to check on me. I latter came down with a illness that most die from. My temp was 109 when they took me out of my house. The Lord kept me awake during that whole time, he did it to show me who was in control. He gave me peace of mind in his love for me that I had trouble seeing before.
A few weeks latter I went back to church. I did thank one man who came over and annoited me. I guess, that was wrong because my pastor called and asked them what they thought they were doing. We never had alot of money, but we gave with our hearts every week. He had ran some young family off because he told how much they gave. We latter found this out. The second week back he got up and said " He did not know what anyone gave ", or he would be a respector of persons. He took the exact amount we tithed . He then said,"God may kill people who don't pay tithes. My husbands family all knew what he did but they never left. I knew what he did to the young couple but never left. When, it was done to us we left. My mother in-law did not want to leave and his sister and brother-in law because they helped to build the church building.
God said" Leave that church", So, we did. One he lied. Two he sat himselfl in God seat. I left cause of that. Then latter I said God I will never be able to sing again cause I cant handle large churches. He said" Do you love your singing or me. Thats when it hit me I love him more then anything. Now, my heart sings to the Lord everynight!!!!!!He led me to truth of tithe and Hell. Hey, I even forgive that minister because "Father Forgive Them They Know Not What They Do" Without gods truth I would not have been able to forgive.
So, there I say you are doing something. You are in the race for the prize. Its all about our Holy Father and Son. You have been called to the greatest thing in this live and the next.
Amen
Marlene