Legacy: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
Memorial day is usually a bitter-sweet holiday for me. I have known good men and women who are the reason that we celebrate that holiday, and usually find myself mourning their loss. It is also a time for me to look back to see where I have been and look forward to where I am going. I have found myself asking that question as of late; where is my life going? I have always wanted to be a part of something that is bigger than just me. I want to be someone who makes a lasting impression on those around me so that each person's life I come in contact with is changed in some lasting way. Unfortunatly, I have done that very thing in a negative way for some people. I also know that God has used me to be a part of His larger plan, and that excities me!
However, I found myself unable to really see what God has in store for me, what direction He wants me to take with my life. This is unsettling for me. The army taught me to not have need to know specifics, but to just accomplish my mission. I don't need to know all the details, but I need to know what the end result should be. I had an awesome oppourtunity to share briefly with a good friend Jennifer Telfer before she heads back to Sudan. It was great to hear over the past few weeks what God is doing in her life. Although talking with her was insipiring, it was also a painful reminder that I have no idea where God wants me right now.
Even until this morning, it was nagging at me, my desire to know what my legacy is going to be; to know the end result for this chapter in my life. And as though God knew exactly what I needed (which He did), two things fell into my lap. The first one was a video that I had forgot about that my pastor created a few months ago. It was just a comforting reminder of what was done without me and that God is the one who needs to run this, not me (video is below).
The second was a couple of verses that I have heard since I was a kid. I know it like the back of my hand, but never paid much attention to it...Jeremiah 29:11-13 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
I want a legacy but it isn't mine, and it never was mine to start with. No one wants to disappear with time, but God is eternal and will never pass with time. He knew me before I was me, and will know me long after I am gone from this earth. I don't need to know where God wants my life, I just need to be ready.
BELIEVE from Ryan Akers on Vimeo.