Do You See Them?

“I sent you to reap a crop for which you have not toiled. Other men have labored and you have stepped in to reap the results of their work” (John 4:38, AMPC).

Look behind you. Do you see the thousands upon thousands who came before you? The ones who made this moment possible?

Do you see the long months your mother carried you inside her body? The inexpressible effort she exerted in bringing you forth? The tears of joy she cried to see your face for the first time?

Do you see the hands that fed you, stayed up through the night with you, nurtured you, clothed you, taught you to walk, sheltered you, raised you?

Do you see the devoted ones that told you about Jesus? That faithfully committed, week after week, month after month, year after year, to impart to you His ways?

Look even farther back than them. Do you see the courageous ones who toiled tirelessly to give birth to the movement you find yourself a part of? Do you see the way they fought against the current to bring to life something new? Do you see the sleepless nights, the agonizing sacrifices made? Do you see the valient ones that gave their very lives so you could have the Word of God translated into your own heart language?

Now, gazing even further back… Do you see a cross stained crimson? Do you see the passionate, tender One who poured out all His life’s blood there so that you could live?

You are the culmination of all of those lifetimes. You are here because of what they… and above all else, He… did for you. Everything that you have and everything that you are is a gift. Live grateful.

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Is there one particular person who influenced you the most as you were developing into who you are? I’d love to hear about him or her, in the comments!