“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.” (John 15:16)
By Lucy Vasquez
When the Holy Spirit inspired me to organize a WorkLight Women’s Chapter Spiritual Day of Renewal, I did not think of it as an act of stewardship, nor did I imagine the spiritual experience.
After our Service Council voted unanimously in favor of the idea, and the Fresno Men’s Chapter expressed a desire to co-host it, the date was saved. A local brother and sister in Christ were chosen as speakers, and Seth Neistadt, WorkLight’s vice president of ministry programs, was our guest speaker.
We welcomed 50 participants who enjoyed worshipping and praising the Lord through music, song, and prayer. That segment prepared us to have eyes to see and ears to hear as the presenters addressed the topics of rest, renewal of spirit, and obedience. The biblical teachings and Small Group discussions encouraged self-reflection and surrendering to God’s will. As the Holy Spirit moved throughout the room, we were all obedient to the Spirit of the Lord as we remained in his presence throughout the day.
The day brought spiritual renewal as evidenced by heartfelt takeaways from some guests. One was surprised at how seamlessly the eight hours passed. Another, upon leaving the event, vowed to make drastic changes to his life for the good. And a third person declared that she now understands the need to be in prayer for weeks/months before seeing results.
Reflecting back on that day I realize that we were all being obedient to God’s presence by honoring him in managing what he presented to each one of us as stewards of his creation. He chose and appointed us to bear fruit; fruit that will last.
Pray
Come, Holy Spirit, come. Use me to manage everything God has given to me for his honor and glory. Amen.
Reflect
How can John 15:16: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last,” encourage stewardship in your work?
Discuss
The Bible says that everything we have is a gift from God. How does viewing our resources—our spiritual gifts, time, talents, and money—as God’s, rather than our own, change the way we manage them?
Lucy Vasquez is a retired educator, the president of the Fresno Women’s WorkLight Chapter, and works in her family’s financial education business.