Hope,  Loved,  Obedience

Reporting For Duty

I’ve been missing in action for over a month. Life created roadblocks instead of open roadways. I began to wonder if writing was a thing of the past or would I breathe words again? But now, I’m reporting for duty.

My heart struggled to keep up with the day to day stresses. Terminally ill family members. Deaths of like-family friends. Other stresses that threatened to capsize my boat. And that was just in my little world. To keep sane, I kept world affairs at arm’s length. God didn’t create me able to deal with them. I’m so glad I can leave them in His control.

Recently I began to breathe again. In spite of the five deaths in four weeks and sickness that surrounds me and other sadness that was pulling me under, God’s grace and goodness continued to touch my heart and remind me that He is in charge. And He is good. His peace fell like a blanket. Reporting for duty seems not only possible, but right.

Personal Experience

During my college days, I worked as a camp counselor at Camp Pinnacle, a Christian girls camp. I remember being super eager to please my camp director. I did whatever I was asked to do, and can remember vividly approaching her one weekend as we prepared for a special event, asking what else she wanted me to do.

Taking a walk at the park last week, my camp experience memory popped up in my mind. Isn’t reporting for duty what our Lord Jesus Christ wants of us? To love Him so much that we are eager each day to follow Him wherever He leads? God touched my heart with that thought. If I could be energized to serve and please my camp director then, surely I could be energized to serve and please my Lord and Savior now. Isn’t that what life is really all about? Reporting for duty to our Lord who died for us seems the least we can do for Him.

Encouragement For Today

I know very well that I’m not the only one affected by this world’s stresses. My heart has thought of many of you who I know are heavy hearted for one reason or another. While I plan to get back to my normal blog posts later, for now, I want to say to all of us, our God is for us. He is faithful and good. And today, just one day at the time, let’s report for duty to our loving Savior. As long as we are on this planet, He has a purpose for us. Reporting for duty to such a wonderful Lord and Master is our joy and privilege. He has made us. He has saved us. And He will carry us through.

Here are links to two songs that came my way a week ago. Their words have ministered to my heart. I hope they will bless you as well.

He Will Hold Me Fast

Come To Me

May you be blessed today by our Savior who loves us with an everlasting love. May these songs remind you how much you are loved. And may each morning find us reporting for duty to the One who is worthy of our devotion and praise.

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
(Photos taken by Carolyn Thigpen at Tribble Mill Park, October, 2021)

6 Comments

  • Tim Riordan

    Such a great word, Carolyn! God is so faithful and good, even in our times of struggle. I love your imagery of peace falling like a blanket. Thank you for sharing.

    • cthigpen377

      You are welcome, Tim. And thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are so right…God is faithful. And because He is, we’ll “keep on keeping on.” Blessings!

  • Katherine Pasour

    “Report for duty…” That’s our call, isn’t it? I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve experienced tragedy this past year, but not to the degree that you have suffered. But we have the assurance that God is with us through the trials. He doesn’t leave us to carry the burden alone.

    • cthigpen377

      Katherine, thanks so much for your words and kind thoughts. Yes, you are right, we are blessed with our Father’s continual presence. His love and grace, the comfort He gives as He walks with us, enable us to keep on in the midst of troubles. Thanks for letting me know you came by this way. God bless you!