Limitless Life Chapter 9

“Worship is first our identity. That means everything we do and say is the product of worship.” Derwin Gray

Chapter 9 From Worker To Worshiper teaches the reader that whatever we do, do for the glory of the Lord. Have you ever been in a job where you are trying your best but your boss does not recognize your hard work, your talent, much less you ability?  I am a Registered Nurse in my career. In the late 1990’s I was a nursing supervisor for a home health agency and I had a fiery red-headed woman who became my boss, she was a change agent in my life. When she became my boss, I had said good-bye to a wonderful boss. Shortly after she began I was in trouble for what I did say, didn’t say or should have said. I started dressing in red on Monday’s because I was usually called to the principle’s office. I thought I was in my dream job, I had turned down other job offers. One day, I was at the end of my rope, I returned to school to get my Bachelor’s Degree so I could find another job. I dusted off my résumé. I endured this job and finally the day came, I accepted a job as a Director Of Nurses at another company. I was given an exit interview and received some great advice. The advice is that it is best to not share the negativity and I needed to forgive and move on, one never knows when you might end up working for that boss again. Because of this woman  and obviously because God had a better plan for me, I changed jobs and obtained my Master’s Degree in Nursing in 1999.

One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 139. Pastor Gray reminds the reader that when we were in our mother’s womb, living and moving and developing, God sculpted each one of us and for a purpose. He encourages the reader to create a life vision statement by answering the following questions. 1. How do you want to be seen in ten years? 2. What do you want to be known for in ten years? 3. What do you want your family to be like? 4. What makes your heart sing? 5. Who is in your life will tell you the truth about yourself? In ten years, I am retiring from my job,  I will be known as a caring woman who loves God and her family. My family will be close because my God and my family make my heart sing. I want to write and be a published author. God will tell me the truth about myself as I celebrate who I am in Christ. I have a great friend as an accountability partner. In Psalm 139:14, I will give thanks to thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Wonderful are Thy works. And my soul knows it very well.” (NASB)

The label in this chapter to embrace is Worshiper.  Mr. Gray gives us keys to worshipping God through your work. Key 1: Know your identity. I did not always know my identity but I  am God’s masterpiece as you are. Ephesians 2:10. Key 2: Know your calling. I am a nurse in my vocation. My sacred vocation is the ability to help people who are ill. I am a hospital case manager and I help people go home from the hospital. I have always known God is my boss. I am in my dream job. Recently I was given the surgical team to case manage. One day, I met a woman, she was a teacher, she had been in a car accident and now was in for stomach concerns. As I visited with her, she had a basic need. I left the room and went and got a wash cloth and towel and I returned and helped her for a few minutes. It was the best few minutes to show compassion. When I gave up my management job in 2010 and transitioned to a hospital case manager, I was answering God’s call. For me it was the best decision I ever made. God in his grace gently showed me that at this time in my life, I am who I am in Christ. I am now doing what God has designed for me. “Before time began, God sculpted me with His very own of grace and glory to do something special. Worship Him through your work. You are not just a worker. That’s limiting. You are a worshiper. That’s limitless.” Derwin Gray.

Who has been a change agent in your life? Do you need to forgive this person?

What is your attitude when you go to work?

If you are not in your dream job, what do you need to do, return to school, dust off your resume.

Father God, thank you from the bottom of my heart that you chose the career of nursing for me. For the woman who is doubting your presence in her life, surround her with your love. Bring someone into her life as an encourager. For the woman who has a boss that has not been gracious, let her remember that you are her boss. To give her boss to you, let her to remember to pray for her boss. Also give her courage, open the way to a new adventures in serving you in whatever job she is working. Today Lord, there are so many people who need work, let them spend their days honoring you. Father God, you sculpted me, let me never take for granted what you have done in my life. Let me go from worker-be to worshipper. Let the woman reading this to know her worth is not determined by her job but by Jesus’ shed blood on the cross.

One of the songs I sing is “Count you blessings name them one by one, count your blessings see what God has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, See what God has done. Blessings  Diana