I Want to Be Useful
September 09, 2024
One of the saddest moments in the book of Job is when, in his suffering, he realizes that he is not able to be useful to others like he once was.
" because I delivered the poor who cried for help,
and the fatherless who had none to help him.
The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me,
and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy." - Job 29:12-13 ESV
Maybe we had a savior complex, but we genuinely loved to help.
For many of us, loss of the ability to do these things defines the tragic part of aging
We want to do the things that Job longed to do again. However,, our ability to do them in a way that we measure as significant has been stifled by our weakness.
We think that those activities and their intensity define who we are. Therefore, we feel useless in the world.
How many long for a day when they felt more needed and useful?
Some folks long for such a day in the future. We measure our significance by how much people need us. Somewhere, some way, some time and all the time, may we be useful.
We can be. We are.
Importance is unimportant.
Prestige is not pristine.
Recognition is not required.
Titles are titular.
Being on top is top heavy.
What I need is to fill a need at every stage of my living.
Productivity may diminish. Flamboyance may falter. I may need to step back from leading, but I can come along.
Grant, Oh God, a searching assessment of my capacity and a dedication of that capacity to your glory and the good of others.
I pray to be a part of the movement, an encourager to the emerging generation of leaders, and a participant in the celebration of the success of others.
Show me my role and grant me the grace to fill it with humility and joy.
May your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven and in me.
Make me an example of how that is possible for others as well