MISSION:DESTINY & PURPOSE 9

 John Milton (9 December 1608 – 8 November 1674) was an English poet. Milton’s poetry and prose reflect deep personal convictions, a passion for freedom and self-determination, and the urgent issues and political turbulence of his day. Writing in English, Latin, Greek, and Italian, he achieved international renown within his lifetime, and his celebrated Areopagitica (1644)—written in condemnation of pre-publication censorship—is among history’s most influential and impassioned defences of free speech and freedom of the press. William Hayley’s 1796 biography called him the “greatest English author,” and he remains generally regarded “as one of the preeminent writers in the English language.”

Milton once wrote “He also serves who only stands and waits.” Frustrated by the limitations of becoming blind, Milton had struggled with feelings of worthlessness – feelings that God couldn’t use him.  But as the poet discovered, the key is not in our activity, but in our receptivity to God’s voice and in our willingness to be used in whatever ways He brings to our attention.

When we bring to God our willingness to serve, He’ll always, eventually, point us toward something we can do for Him.  And that task will always have something to do with love.