I’m often the last person to reach personal goals; but, no matter how often I’m last in life, my soul is never lost, thanks be to Christ. The goals I’m referring to are ones that are dependent on a myriad of circumstances lining up like a stellar constellation (pun intended). Just as we don’t have control over a single star, we don’t have control over the whims or will of others.
All we can do is our best. And trust.
We may feel like we’re always the last person to receive what we strive for. It may seem like we’re always last—always left—in the stardust of others.
But when we have faith in the God of creation, we may be last, but we’re never lost.
He promised to repay us for anything we’ve lacked or lost due to our obedient service to Him. Service to Him takes us a trillion miles deeper into space than anything we would have journeyed on our own.
And that’s just it.
Our lives are meant to live out of His perfect will in us; not to focus on gimme-gimme-hoping-to-get-stuff. God does plan to give us good things; however, first we must give everything to He who does not withhold anything worthwhile from His children.
Last-but-not-lost living is a wise way to launch into the universe because when this earth is burned up and made new: The first will be last and the last will be first.
Now, how’s that for a happy ending for those who are last but not lost in this life? I say it’s a fabulous finish line for the faithful in Christ.
I wrote this post in response to a Five-Minute-Friday prompt. (I’m probably the near-to-last writer who joined last week’s prompt—how appropriate. 😊) You’re welcome to join in too.
I’ve also written about a similar subject on my latest HeartWingsBlog post here: How to Dress for Success
And now, a poem:
Believers are to live their lives
For Jesus first and last
Because He is the Light and Way
When we seek and ask
Believers are to trust and obey
The Lord Jesus Christ
Because He is our Hope and Strength
To live a godly life.
~ wlm
So the last will be first, and the first will be last.
Matthew 20:16 NIV
I’m nosy-to-know if you’ve been last lately? What helped you have peace?
Last but Not Lost blessings ~ Wendy Mac
Beautiful Sis. Been off the ‘puter for about a week due to an accident and your article is the first I saw and it is soooo appropriate. I’m honored to repost it on my site. Love you in Christ, dear Sister!
Thank you, Pastor Roland. I’m so glad to hear you’re okay and haven’t lost your sense of humor in the middle of it all. 🙂 Blessings to you and dear Sue.
Reblogged this on FOR THE LOVE OF GOD and commented:
Sister Wendy is an EXCEPTIONAL writer of prose and poetry, but she ALSO knows how to give an encouraging word in writing as well. A Sister in Christ of many talents, she also has a brief weekly podcast, so catch her on Facebook and you can catch her words of encouragement and wisdom all over the web!
Thank you for the kind words and for the reblog, Pastor Roland. 🙂
Thank you Wendy for these encouraging words today. When I trust HIS heart for me, I can lay down my expectations of how my days should or could look. He is so faithful to us, isn’t He? Your words are so timely for me again. And we just saw our first little junco returning to our yard this weekend too. Blessings to you!
Thank you, dear Bettie. Juncos have been hanging around on the lawn under our bird feeder. They’re so sweet. Yes, laying down our expectations is crucial for our walk with Christ. He knows best–always. xo
“Our lives are meant to live out of His perfect will in us; not to focus on gimme-gimme-hoping-to-get-stuff.” AMEN. So many people misunderstand what prayer is. I wrote my last book “BARRIERS (So, if prayers are so powerful, how come mine don’t get answered?)” about
(sorry, it posted early. :/) The book is about the things that hinder our prayers, including the notion that prayer is a way to “get stuff” from God, and it’s so much more! Psalm 37:4 is possibly the most misunderstood verse if Scripture. If we “delight in Him,” He will give us the desires of our hearts. Not WHAT we desire, but the desires – desires for what HE wants. Face it, if we delight in Him, He IS our deepest desire. <3
I couldn’t agree more. Psalm 37:4 was the verse my husband and I put on our wedding invitations. It took years for us to understand the full meaning of it–36 years later we’re still learning. God is faithful. 🙂
On your wedding invitations! Awesome! <3
You described me! I sometimes feel so left out and wonder if I’m being punished. But not true. You explain everything so well. Thank you dear Wendy. Many Blessings to you! ~ Rhonda
Thank you, dear Rhonda. I have often thought the same thing about my life struggles and delayed dreams. Thankfully, the Lord is too loving and generous not to remind us He is rich in love and compassion towards us. xo I’m grateful He’s a good Father.
I love how you describe it as last but not lost. Such a beautiful description that while we may end up last we are never lost. We are held in His love and salvation. And as far as being the last to reach your goals I would say “Better late than never!”
Thank you, dear Collene. Amen to: “Better late than never!” I quoted this saying several times while teaching my sons to drive. Now, they’re better drivers than I am. 🙂
Oh boy. I have one who will be learning to drive in a few months! 😲
As long as you keep your seat-belt and sense of humor buckled up, you’ll be fine. Here’s an old post I shared in the middle of driving lesson season (God bless you and your teenager). https://greenlightlady.wordpress.com/2015/02/11/driving-mrs-crazy-%e2%9d%80-teaching-teens-how-to-drive/
I love it! Thanks for sharing!
So glad you had time to read it. 🙂
Loved this sentiment, Wendy. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thank you, dear Catherine. 🙂
Thank you dear Wendy for these encouraging words. Oh, how appropriate and timely your posts always are for me! I often feel last—like the rest of the world moves at a faster pace than I do. God has helped me realize that I need more quiet processing time before offering forth my words or actions. I’m growing into being okay with this. God needs me to be me. My efforts will never be lost in his midst. Grateful for your writing friendship and our shared love of God’s creatures & beauty.
Thank you, dear Jamie. 🙂 I can relate to needing “more quiet processing time.” The world needs us to be who we truly are too. That way there are more unique voices. Your voice, my voice, and the voices of other writers all reach different people. I’m only just beginning to understand this.
Blessings as you continue doing what you so beautifully do.
As I sit in this recliner crying and feeling utterly disappointed in myself and how little I’ve accomplished in life thus far, this post is exactly what I needed. Now I understand why the Spirit said, “Connect” when I opened my laptop with the intention of working on a blog post. In this season of my life, I feel both last and lost. Last because, at 32, I feel like I’m so far behind. Lost because I’m still struggling to figure out what I’m doing here and what my purpose is. But reading this line alone makes me realize that my life hasn’t been a complete waste of time: “Service to Him takes us a trillion miles deeper into space than anything we would have journeyed on our own”. Thank you so very much for those words and for this encouraging post.
Nice to meet you, dear Tausha. Thank you for encouraging me too. Recently my schedule was once again preempted by God’s will for me. And I was blessed when I watched for His beauty in the detour. Yes, His way always outweighs ours in golden opportunities to grow and know Him better. Let’s keep showing up to grow the gifts He’s given us.
AMEN!!! “Let’s keep showing up”. That part is KEY!