If it was good enough for Jesus- Why prep time isn't wasted time.

It's the beginning of the end.

The world watches as it seems the "bad guys" take more ground and gain more support and power.

America watches as we have the most nail-biting election to date.

The Weatherlys watch the last week of my twenties slip away. That's right, I said it. The beginning of the end. I am turning thirty next week.

I am not sure what your "hard" birthday is, but this one is mine. My whole life I have referred jokingly, and sometimes in all seriousness, that thirty is "old." When referring to my oldest cousin, I would tell people that he was "like 30 or something," thinking that that explained it all. It's basically midlife.

I am sure when you read this you roll your eyes. I have heard it, 30 is the new 20. But I hope that's not true. I don't want to be 20 again. There is a stigma that comes with the 20s and that stigma is... well, stupid. In your 20s you are supposed to be stupid, to find yourself, to live life before you get tied down.

This week while talking with a friend, I lamented that I will be turning "old" next week and haven't lived up to where I thought I should be in life. Like I wasted the last 29 years and 11 months... Even saying that made me feel sick. I have known since I was 15 what I wanted to do with my life.... And I haven't done any of it.

I remember sitting in my professor's, Paul York's, office complaining to him at age 20 that I felt like I was wasting time not being on the mission field where I belonged. He was such a wise teacher, who reminded me of the preparation that Jesus had before his public ministry began, at age 30, I might add. I remember laughing and thinking, "Good grief, I hope it doesn't take that long."

Last night as I read my Bible I came across this verse that I had highlighted in the past, and it reads: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (‭1 Cor‬ ‭15:58‬ ‭NLT).

Nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. Nothing.

God let me in on my calling early, the preparation has been fun--and trying. In my 20s he led me to my husband, partner in ministry and best friend, and gave me my sweet baby boy. He allowed us to do ministry both in Florida and Oklahoma and meet amazing people along the way. I pray lives were touched, seeds were planted and friendships made that will have an eternal impact.

Have you ever been helping out at a church function and wondered why you even showed up and what good you are doing? Talked to a coworker about your faith, and then stuff started getting awkward? Gave your change to BGMC, thinking about how that won't even make a difference? Looked back at the last decade of your life and wondered, did I do anything worth while? *sheepishly raises hand*

God has news for you. He sees it, all of it. From the smallest gesture, to the largest leap of faith, and He wastes none of it. He is such a creative God, how can we think He can't use everything for His glory? Even things we may not remember doing.

Nothing you do for the Lord is useless.

In the coming days I am going to memorize this verse, so that when doubt creeps in, I can continue to be strong and immovable. I know that Satan's schemes will not subside as you and I work enthusiastically for God. As Jesus did, I want to be able to quote the word of God in those times when it is tempting to feel like what I am doing is not worthwhile or a waste, or like I have missed my calling.

Be strong and immovable. Be the answer to someone's prayer. Be the difference. Let's continue to make an eternal impact in our everyday lives.

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (‭1 Cor‬ ‭15:58‬ ‭NLT).