If you feel like your life and experience is unworthy to anyone and you are being thrown to the scrap heap, Fiona’s devotional is sure to encourage you.
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised” (Hebrews 10:35-36).
Sometimes we feel like we’ve ended up on the scrap-heap.
My friend has been out of work since late last year. What’s somewhat “normal” these days, is that when you reach your fifties, no matter how much experience you have, you can end up unnecessary and redundant in your job. Maybe begin to lack confidence–like you’re only good for the scrap-heap.
Though our government wants us to work till we are around age 70, employers don’t seem to value anyone over 50 anymore. And the flip side is, it’s also difficult to gain employment in your 20s and 30s because you have “no experience.”
Doesn’t leave us a lot of valuable working years.
Thank goodness God doesn’t see us like that!
Everyone is of value to God.
No matter our experience, our abilities, or as many of us would identify with–our health–God still values us. He still has a job for us to do. We are never redundant to Him.
Maybe you had an important job before you got sick; maybe you felt useful and valued back then and its difficult to see or feel that way now.
Friends, remember that God doesn’t measure our worth as the world does. What we can still achieve for Him, no matter how small it may seem, is of greater value in God’s economy, than the highest paid job out there.
I remember reading a quote once about the Christian life: “The retirement benefits are out of this world.” That’s so true–our reward for what matters, will be granted in heaven.
Instead of seeing our lives as less than “before”–on the scrap-heap–we need to keep trusting God to use and guide us to what is still possible. Believe we can still make a difference for Him.
Prayer: Father, if we feel that the world sees us as only good for the scrap-heap because of our illness, or compared to what we once did, remind us again of how much You love and value us. Help us to be aware of and willing to see, ways we can still be used to extend Your kingdom here on earth. Amen.
About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful that God walks each step of her life with her, and that He continues to teach her new things as she learns to live with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to share those things with others. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.
How has God shown you, you are still useful to Him and not only fit for the scrap-heap? Is it sometimes hard to believe you can still make a difference for Him?
I could personally relate to Fiona’s devotional as my husband returned to college this week to change careers at the age of 50 after 9 months of unemployment. Life and its securities is so fleeting, isn’t it? This is Laura Story singing “I Can Just Be Me.” Let us cling to the fact that we are always precious to God and that we can always gain experience as we walk on His path–especially in ways of suffering. Hugs to you. -Lisa
Fiona, love this it hits home. Many years ago when I was bedridden with cfs or me. I felt like I would never be able to work for God again. Must less have a job. But that’s when I started writing poetry. Some were published. Then my book was published. But that was in 2o11. Just last night I had a lady contact me to go with her to a women’s conference she was doing in a church. She wanted me to bring my book and do a book signing. She said I believe it will help other women to get courage to use their gifts God gave them. It reminded me gods still using me, of course because of my health I could not go but she said she has my book and will take it with her and display it. I pray it touches many hearts as your devotional has touched mine. Lisa loved the song from Laura story you chose.
Laura, so glad this spoke to you today.
I think it’s something we all need reminders of as it’s so easy to view ourselves as we think others may be viewing us. What God sees and how He thinks of us is so much more important.
Sounds like you’ve been able to bless many with your writing and I pray that even if you aren’t able to be there with your book, it may reach the hearts and hands of those who need it.
Blessings,
Fiona
Fiona, what a beautiful message for us all to hold in our hearts today. So often we do devalue our purpose in the Father’s kingdom. Thinking we are not able to produce or be as significant as we once were. But thankfully just as you said God doesn’t see any of us in that way. Thank you for the blessing if this message and to remind us if that.
Sending you love and hugs friend. 🙂
Di
Thanks Di – you are always so encouraging! 🙂
It is such a trap to fall into looking at what we do now, compared to what we may once have done – yet we both know, the blessing and encouragement those “little things” can be when God uses them.
I’m grateful for the blessing you are in my life dear friend!
Fiona
Thank you ? so much Fiona ;
Your encouraging and powerful
Inspiring message.
A joyful heart of greetings to you
Lisa. As one of my friend.
Sometimes I think ? of you and
Praying to BLESSED YOU MORE.
TO BOTH OF YOU.
GOD BLESSED YOUR ?.
Thanks Venus, glad you were encouraged.
Blessings,
Fiona
Great message Fiona! Thanks 🙂
Just tonight I was talking with a friend’s daughter about the challenges of gaining employment for the young: “because you have “no experience.” ” It is a challenge it seems at any age & for lots of reasons. I’m sure this will speak to most people who read it.
It’s taken me a while to realize that God has things for me to do now, that I couldn’t do when I was well. He uses each one of us to do something that no-one else can & for that I’m truly grateful. It’s easy to see that on the good days, but I still struggle with it on the dark days! LOVE the quote: “The retirement benefits are out of this world.” God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thanks Kerryn I know you can relate in your own family experiences 🙂
I love your comment that “He uses each one of us to do something that no-one else can” – as you say, it’s sometimes easier to remember that, than it is at others. We are each unique – but created by Him for His purpose. Pretty amazing isn’t it!
I’m sure there is more to that quote – that was the second half of it, but I can’t recall the rest. Maybe for those of us that have concerns about our retirement living expenses (due to not working like “normal” people) – we can hold on to our eternal benefits 🙂
Blessings dear friend,
Fiona