Running to serve?

Abraham, when he was 99 years old and was "sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day" he "saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried... and bowed low to the ground." He then basically begs them to let him serve them by washing thier feet and giving them something to eat. When they agree "Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah" to tell her to make them some bread. "Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant who hurried to prepare it." Genesis 18:1-7

This is just crazy. A 99 year old running around like a little kid to serve these guys. I looked pretty hard for a picture of a really old man running and there are very few. But of course there's not many, when was the last time you saw a 99 year old run? I bet it was cute though, I picture "hurried" as more like a scamper. 

This got me thinking about serving people and my attitude toward it. Sometime I feel reluctant or draggy. Like friday night when I was tired and not really wanting to engage. Every friday night we have around 20 college students over for dinner and discuss questions they have. By God's grace (and because I had nowhere else to go) instead of giving in to my fatigue I pushed through and the reward is sooo worth it! Hearing these students questions and hearing other students answer using scripture when they werent even walking with God a year ago is amazing. It is like having a front row seat in seeing God change lives. But when I'm tired, I am tempted to give up front row seats for the bathroom. I'm so glad God pushes us to cling to Him for strength and therefore get to reap the rewards of perseverance. I think this also applies to persevering in disciplining my boys. To keep at it when I am tired  and it is the 30th time that day, because "later on it will produce a fruit of righteousness." (Heb. 12:11) 

No matter if I feel like a 99 year old or it's the heat (most exhausting part) of the day, may God enable me (and you too) to run to serve. "because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:58)

Oh Lord, please help me be quick like Abraham to serve others. To surrender my rights and be willing to love sacrifically for the benefit of others. Help me give myself fully to your work, trusting that my labor wont be in vain.
 
Will you consider linking up on Friday's stories of how God has shown up and shown off. It can be a story of what He has taught you, how He has revealed His character or heart or anything related. Basically it is just an opportunity to brag on God.

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