Do It Now! | James 1:22

Welcome to Real Life. Just do it!

We will never change the world by going to church.

We will only change the world by being the church.

–Unknown 

“If you’re waiting to do something for God, don’t wait. Do it now,” Pastor Schaeffer said in a sermon. His words ignited my spirit. I kept thinking God wanted me to start a women’s retreat. We were new at the church. When I asked, I discovered they didn’t have a women's retreat per se. Instead, they participated in a regional denomination retreat.

Retreats have impacted my life. The act of setting aside extended time to seek the Lord had resulted in breakthroughs, epiphanies, and a renewed sense of intimacy with my God. More practically, I needed a break from daily responsibilities to rest, reflect, and have fun with the girls, of course!

“Maybe God wants me to coordinate a retreat for the church,” I began thinking. “But I’m too busy now. I’ll do it when the kids are older.” However, after Pastor Schaeffer’s sermon, I contacted the church. They connected me with Joyce, the new women’s ministry coordinator. And a few months later, we held the first of many women’s retreats.

Women's Retreat

If God’s put something on your heart, don’t wait. Do it now! 

We don't know what tomorrow holds. Years later, when my kids were older, God had a different ministry for me. All four of our elderly parents needed care. I stepped down from coordinating retreats to care for them. If I had waited to host a retreat, I might have missed the opportunity.

Often, we listen to God’s Word at church, Bible Study, on Christian radio, and in personal devotions. This is good. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.[1] But a life of faith is more than listening. It’s also doing. Living it out. God invites us to join in his work.

Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says…
If you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free,
And if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard,
Then God will bless you for doing it.
James 1:22-25 NLT

Salvation—reconciliation with God—is a gift we receive through faith in Christ. We can’t earn it by the good we do. However, we are saved to accomplish good works God planned in advance for us to do. We are God’s masterpiece.[2] His love, power, and beauty are revealed through us as we live out his Word.

There is much kingdom work to do. So, let's not just sit around awaiting a revelation. Jump in and get involved. Feed the hungry, visit the prisoner, teach, hold babies, lead worship, share the Gospel, fight for life, help our neighbor, care for the elderly, pray, and much more. No one can do it all. But each one of us can do something. And together, we can make a difference and shine Jesus' light as brightly as the stars in the heavens![3] 

Dear Father,
What do you want us to do?
May we listen and obey.
If your will is unclear, please make it clear.
We can accomplish nothing without you.[4]
Yet with you, all things are possible.
Complete your work through us.
We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Take it further...

Unsure of where to start? Here are a few of the many places seeking volunteers:

• Your Church, ask a pastor or elder how you can begin serving
• The City Mission, Homeless Ministry in Cleveland, Ohio
• Love INC Cuyahoga Co. assist the poor in our county
• Haven of Rest, Homeless Ministry in Akron, Ohio
• Building Hope in the City advance the good of the city of Cleveland, Ohio
• God Cares Ministry will help you launch a nursing home ministry in your church.
• True Freedom Prison Ministry, Cleveland, Ohio
• Cleveland Pregnancy Center promotes life by helping those with unplanned pregnancies.
• Remember Nhu help end child sex slavery through prevention

[1] Romans 10:17
[2] Ephesians 2:10
[3] Philippians 2:15
[4] John 15:5
Meme credit:  unknown.