Every so often someone comes along who so inspires others that he or she is remembered years later. Perhaps a preacher, a songwriter, or president. However, this story is not about creating a legend, but leaving a legacy for the Kingdom of God.
I have a friend who has been quietly partnering with God to leave a legacy for His Kingdom few outside of Heaven would recognize. She has a divine gift of âspottingâ someone in need. She seems to see right through their mask and into their heart. My friend ministers to people quietly, without much fanfare, but makes a world of difference in each of their lives. I know because ten years ago, she âspottedâ me.
Heart for the Hurting
I was reminded of her heart for the hurting when one day she called me from her hospital bed. Sheâd been there over a month, hundreds of miles from home. All that time dealing with-of all things-a stubborn broken leg that refused to heal. After seven surgeries, no one, most especially my friend, was prepared for all of the frightening complications.
Still, one morning she found the strength to call me. She asked me to locate a God-honoring pregnancy center to help a young nurse she befriended. The woman was a single mom, pregnant and frightened. I was truly inspired to see my friendâs heart, despite all she was going through, still reaching out to others.
All too often, we think that partnering with God to build a great, impacting ministry only occurs at a pulpit, piano, or podium. My friend reminded me that there is only one place we need to be to partner with God: in His Presence.
Leaving a Legacy for the Kingdom of God
Where are you right now? Do you want to leave a legacy for the Kingdom of God, but feel hindered or inadequate? Are you waiting for something to fall neatly into place and then God can use you? We are tempted to think we must be in the right place and time based on our limited view of what that looks like. However, God sees things differently.
The apostle Paul wrote most of the New Testament while in prison; Jesus announced His resurrection to a woman crying by an empty tomb (John 20); God gave the Revelation to John during Johnâs exile on the island of Patmos. When you think you can’t be used by God to impact His Kingdom, please remember my friend: while laying immobile on a hospital bed hundreds of miles from home, she stood in the very Presence of God, and God, seeing that her heart for His Kingdom was exactly in the right place at the right time, brought someone in need to her.
âFrom the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men [and women] lay hold of it.â (Matthew 11:12)
For a fascinating study of God’s love for the Bible’s first unwed pregnant woman, check out my Bible study, HAGAR: Rediscovering the God Who Sees Me.
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of Godâs Word. She holds a masterâs in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several books and Bible studies.
