30 Days or 30 Years

Sometimes when I reflect on my life, I wonder where in the world has the time gone. Some days it seems like forever since I was a 16-year-old boy at home just getting my freedom to drive. On other days, it seems like yesterday that my oldest son was born. Today I’m trying to remember what happed 30 days ago. I often think: “if I had known then what I know now, life would be much different”. The problem is, I didn’t know a lot back then. I’m so thankful the Lord was patient with me while I “played around” at following Him. The events in my past make much more sense now that I’m looking back on them. The Lord never let go of me and I’m so very grateful.

There was a time in Israel’s history when their kings didn’t last long. There was obviously much turmoil in the land. I was struck by the brevity of some of the kings’ rise to power. It almost always involved a coup accompanied by bloodshed. Check this out…

13 Shallum son of Jabesh became king in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah king of Judah, and he reigned in Samaria for one month. 14 Then Menahem son of Gadi went from Tirzah up to Samaria. He attacked Shallum son of Jabesh in Samaria, assassinated him and succeeded him as king. (2 Kings 15:13-14 NIV)

I’m learning that when I’m given a chance to lead, I’m going to let God lead me. If I’m following the lead of the Lord, my influence can expand drastically. I’m seen people who had 30 days of power, fame and possibly influence. I’ve also noticed people who’ve had over 30 years of strong leadership and influence. I want my life to count as I invest my time and energy into kingdom work. I can do this from any place I find myself.

There have been people who I have only know around 30 days in my past and there are friends I’ve had way more than 30 years. I want everyone who knows me to see Christ in me. I’ve known the Lord since I was a young kid, but I know more about Him now than I’ve ever know. I’ve got a lot more to learn about His heart and about His way. I want to make the years ahead count in my journey with Him.

Pressing On!

Dwayne