By Nancy Virden (c)2026 AlwaysTheFight.com

I have struggled, due to bipolar depression and old voices, to understand why I am here. The doubt often comes from comparing my life to what I think it should look like. I’m not talking about self-pity, but a lack of purpose. In my own imagination, I’m supposed to be doing great things for God, teaching numerous classes or Bible Studies, or at least introducing people to him every day. Yet a lack of opportunity, or sometimes my health and fear, take turns leaving me with nothing to do.

How do you measure the value of your life?

Who am I to say I am not enough? Only God knows. How can I assume the eternal purposes of what I do are not enough? Only God knows. My pastor preached on this this morning while looking at the book of James. What is the worth of waiting for Jesus to return, or for death to come?

He said it is worth the wait (to remain living despite our misperceptions and difficulties) because our calling is to plant seeds. There’s more, but as long as we are here, our ministry, our purpose, is to worship God, love mercy, and plant seeds. The gospel, an encouraging word, even a smile with genuine love behind it, can plant seeds of hope in ways we do not know.

I am challenged once again to keep my eyes on Jesus and not on ministry as a measure of my life’s worth. In the words of the character “Matthew” of the TV show The Chosen, “I have only one thing to do today: to follow Him. Everything else will take care of itself.”

A similar idea was recorded by the actual Matthew in the first century. Quoting Jesus, he wrote, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (6:33). I am sure that includes purpose, if we will see it.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Matthew 13:18-23

 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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