More from Megan L. Anderson

Do you ever have full circle moments when the past unexpectedly loops around to wave hello in your present? The invitation to write this blog post created one such moment. I penned the original draft of today’s meditation about the fallout of Elijah’s confrontation with King Ahab and Queen Jezebel several years ago, and then it was held in the consideration process at The Upper Room for a few more. Who could have predicted that the invitation to write these additional words would arrive just after I finished teaching a Sunday school lesson on the same bible story? Maybe this is God’s nudge-nudge-wink-wink to revisit that soul-searching question: Why am I here?

Thankfully, in the years since writing the meditation’s first draft, I’ve received more positive feedback than negative about how I minister. Though, for example, I still occasionally get told I speak too softly, too loud, too fast, and too slow—all after the same presentation—it doesn’t ruffle my feathers like it used to. But occasionally I do still find myself figuratively shaking my fist and crying out, “I’ve had enough!” There are still instances of resistance, unconstructive input, rude interruptions, and people not following through with their commitments. But when I take a step back and realign my priorities, it’s easier these days to answer the why questions.

Why am I facing resistance in doing a good thing? Because evil rises against whatever threatens it. If what I am doing weren’t good and important, it wouldn’t be opposed.

Why are people so unhelpful, discouraging, and inconsiderate sometimes? Because they’re human. We all fall short of the glory of God. Me included. But God is gracious, so I can move forward gracefully.

Why can’t people just do what they say they will? Because I need humbling. I’ve let others down too. It’s usually not intentional. The Holy Spirit empowers me to forgive and overcome obstacles.

Why am I here, continually trudging through trials, impediments, and disappointments? Because Jesus did too. That’s how we learn, strengthen, and grow. It is an opportunity, not a punishment. No effort made for the good of God’s kingdom is wasted.

And on blessed occasions, those experiences we write off as failures or unresolved problems in our past come full circle and greet us in the present with invitations to receive fresh insights and healing assurances. If we could predict those moments, we probably would be less inclined to receive them. But when we embrace them—even when they ask hard questions of us—we may well up with renewed zeal for pressing forward into whatever territory to which God calls us.

So, why are you here? Consider this a nudge-nudge-wink-wink to realign your priorities and motivations with God’s calling on your life. Who knows? Whatever choice you make today might be a saving grace for a years-away tomorrow.