Thursday, November 9, 2023

I loved Jerry and Marge Go Large from our first week At the Movies. I felt just like Jerry did a few months ago when I retired.

I can definitely relate to feeling like I put everything I had into my job only to feel undervalued and unwanted in the end. It didn’t feel like I was entering my “golden years.” I thought I’d missed my chance. The enemy had me focused on all the wrong things.

John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

Troubles will come our way. Whether directly from the enemy, or through choices we make, we will all experience challenges (John 16:33). 

We see this demonstrated in our featured movie. In the beginning of their adventure, Jerry and Marge were reconnecting around a common goal. They had a plan and worked together to achieve their purpose. Eventually, it wasn’t enough to win only for themselves though, so they continued to expand their vision, inviting others from their hometown to be a part of it. The winning and excitement grew … until the opposition found them!  

Recently, I've been in a similar situation as Jerry. I have regained my purpose but also been met with opposition. I have been tempted to give up but wondered if I should regroup and keep going. 

In the movie, Jerry had to make a choice: He could give up. Or he could fight for what was most important—realizing that it was the purpose he’d found through the people of his town that offered the rich and satisfying life he was looking for.

As I think back through my life, it seems every stage of life has had this same ebb and flow of circumstance. There will always be ups and downs, but I know if I listen and tune in, God will be faithful to show me my “next step.” 

Through every challenge we encounter, we can remain confident that God has plans to give us rich and satisfying lives as we go on this adventure with him. 

Questions: 
Did this week reveal a gift that you have? Are you excited to connect your purpose to the people around you? Do you know how much you matter? 

Next Steps: 
Sign up for GrowthTrack and discover the ways that God has gifted you. Pray for God to reveal how you can use your gifts to serve the people around you each day.  

Flash Fiction is back!! If you want another fun story that captures the theme of this week’s movie, you can find a Flash Fiction story below this post, on the homepage of our app, or have it sent to you directly by texting FICTION to 419-419-0707.

Prayer: 
God, thank you for the new insights you’ve given me through this message. Continue encouraging me to reach out to others who need you. Help me focus on the people around me each day and use the gifts you’ve given me to help them. I love you, I worship you, and I want only to share the love you have given me with those I encounter. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Julie Estep, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.