Sept. 13, 2024

DIVINE MERCY REFLECTION: Doing Your Best

https://mycatholic.life/

Saint Mother Teresa is often quoted as saying that God asks us to be faithful, not successful.  In other words, we are called to offer our best to the Lord, striving to be faithful to His holy Will, and then leave the rest to Him.  At times it may appear that our “best” does not produce the desired good fruit that we desire.  Perhaps an attempt you make at reconciling with another failed.  Or perhaps you put your heart and soul into some apostolic work and it never appeared to take off in the way you had hoped.  There is great freedom in the realization that all we are called to do is be faithful, not successful.  “Success” is measured by God, not by human standards.  We are truly “successful” only when we are faithful to the Will of God and diligent in committing ourselves to His divine work.  If we are faithful in this way, nothing else matters.  Do your best and leave the rest to God (See Diary #1295).

Reflect upon your level of commitment to the Will of God.  Committing yourself to God’s holy Will is not the same as committing yourself to perfect success in all you do.  Even if everything you do appears to end in failure, you please God when you are faithful to Him without worrying about the results.  God sees your heart and wants your good works to be offered to Him and done in accordance with His Will.  Nothing else in life matters.  Seek fidelity above success and you will delight the merciful Heart of our Lord.

"Lord, I give myself to You for Your service and glory.  I commit myself to all that You call me to do and pray that I may serve Your Will in fidelity and diligence.  Use me, dear Lord, as You will and help me to leave the rest to You.  Jesus, I trust in You."