Day 10 Here I Am, Lord

 

1/10/2026

 

As believers and followers of Jesus Christ we know that we are pilgrims passing through this world. Although we live in it, it is not our home, but we have hope through Jesus Christ of our eternal home. But while here, until He comes back or we are called on ahead, we must occupy until He comes. I was reading my devotional by Amir Tsarfati yesterday, and the title for the day was "Don't Seek to be the Majority." He mentioned Elijah, and the prophet of Baal showdown on Mount Carmel, and Elijah feeling outnumbered and disqualified to continue on. God assured him that there were 7,000 others who had not bowed their knees to Baal, and he was in no wise outnumbered or alone. Believers in Christ no longer seem to be a majority in this present age, as the devil is trying his best to cause all the mayhem he can, since he realizes his days are numbered, and he knows his fate. We are called to be different from others, to be shining lights in a dark world, so we each have our jobs to do wherever we are planted. 

I remember when I first began case management, I was working out of Las Vegas, New Mexico, and I was in a home speaking with a client. It's been so many years ago that I can't remember what I said exactly, but I do remember that my mannerisms were a shock to her. When a case manager goes into a home the person sometimes gets anxious, because we're there to assess their medical needs to determine how they can be helped with personal care or other services needed. I remember the lady saying, "You're not from around here, are you? No one acts like you do. Where are you from?" I laughed then, as I do now, remembering that day. I wasn't living in that city at that time, but I had for ten years previously, and my daughter was still living there. So, in essence, I was from there. Since that time, I have had similar responses from people, as has my daughter. I'm glad that people see the difference in our lives, as we do not shy from our love of Jesus. We are meant to be different, as Christ's ambassadors wherever we are, and I am grateful that people who have known me feel this way.

This isn't the only time I have been labeled as being different or being persecuted for my faith and the way I live my life. Once I was accused of saying some things I never thought much less said. It happened right after God had opened up a door into a new area of community service as a case manager/care coordinator for Medicaid services. The first three months of my employment I was put through a living torment, but eventually everyone quit, except me, including my accuser. Thankfully, I was the only one who had been trained previously in the requirements needed for the clients to obtain benefits, thus making the job much easier. So my perseverance during this time paid off, and God vindicated me from the lies said against me. My true character had proven itself. That was an extremely difficult time in my life, and I felt alone. I cried a river every night after work for three months, but God in His faithfulness delivered me. After that things became much better. There is much more to the story, but going through difficult patches can turn out for good, when we trust God. 

After that time I still had hurdles to jump, as we all do with swings in jobs, and in the health profession, things are always rapidly changing. I was older than most of my colleagues, so there were times when I was made to feel less than, but this never stood in my way of trying, and my work ethics proved to be higher than those of younger employees who wanted to do things the easy way. I have always been grateful that my parents taught me to always work hard, doing my best, plus the Bible said to do all things as unto the Lord, and that has always been my goal, and it has served me well. Still, I realize that I am somewhat of an anomaly from the normal person, because I'm a stranger passing through this world. While I'm here, it is my prayer and my strong desire to love well, work hard, and pass on not only good work ethnics, but pass on godly, moral practices. Ultimately, my desire is to lead others to Christ, so that we can sojourn together until we make our way to our heavenly, eternal home. What a joyous day that will be when we're finally home! Until then, here I am, Lord, use me!