Not A “Just”
by Dawn Mast

“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36, NIV).

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to speak to about 500 women. It was a day full of worship music, a stage artist, plenty of vendors and a prayer room where each of the ladies in attendance were given a name of God (ELROI, JEHOVAH, IMMANUEL, etc.).

I wanted my spoken words to be meaningful and bring a message that God had put on my heart that day. So, I said, “Who here is a just?” There were some confused looks until I explained that in life we often describe ourselves as, “just a mom,” “just a doctor’s wife,” “just the wife of a medical student or resident,” just, just, just….

It’s easy to get caught up in the things that define us, attach our identity to our beloved in the medical field and forget God’s plan for our lives. The Lord calls us to do things that may feel low, less than and boring, but we are doing it as part of His plan. He is still fulfilling His plan through us as we change diapers, support our medical spouses, drive our families around, do laundry and prepare meal after meal. All of it can be done for His glory.

God has called each of us to be more than “just” the name we give ourselves. Even when we read Acts 9, we see Dorcas as a woman who was pretty much flying under the radar, until you realize that what she did was serve with her whole heart! Once she died (at least temporarily according to verse 40) we saw how the people responded to what her sewing skills and ministry to the poor meant to them.

We may not see, this side of heaven, how we have made a difference in the lives of those around us. Our households can be hectic, and we often end up shouldering much of the responsibility because our beloveds are ministering to the sick. However, our support, encouragement and prayers for our husbands can be a ripple effect of blessing to those who need to see Jesus. I have found that by walking out the Lord’s plan for my life and supporting my husband as he works in the medical field, I can be a strong witness to others who are in medical marriages.

I’m delighted there is a calling “just” for me! May I fulfill it to the best of my ability to glorify His kingdom.  God is using you, your talents and your gifts to help others and to be an earthy witness for His kingdom.

Thank you, Father God, for the talents, gifts and abilities you give me. Please help me on the days when I feel like a “just” and that I’m not doing anything worthy or important. I know if I’m doing something for you with a willing heart then I am doing good for your kingdom. I pray, Lord, that I am making a difference for you and that people are seeing the truth and hope of Christ in all I do. Thank you, God, for your Spirit shining in me today.
Amen

Dawn Mast lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her doctor hubby of 30+ years, her dogs and her four grown children (scattered around the state). She believes Proverbs 17:22 that states that laughter is good medicine, so much so she has even done stand-up comedy! Dawn also loves encouraging women that our Lord has always been and always will be faithful both in writing and through speaking at events.