The year 2020 has truly been taxing in some way for all of us. We’ve been tested in so many ways, and things don’t seem to be letting up. I just want to encourage Team Jesus that God, in all His wisdom, created you for a time such as this (Esther 4:14)! The Lord told Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage.” (Joshua 1:6) Now more than ever we need to lean into our gifts and callings and take our place in God’s perfect will for our lives, no matter how frightening it gets.
We are a part of something so much bigger than ourselves – who knows what a difference your role will make in the world. It’s important to note here that even though not all of us are called to the five-fold ministry, that doesn’t mean that God’s plan for you is insignificant. He does everything with purpose, and He prepared great works for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). Ephesians 4:16 talks about each of us doing our share to grow the body. So, whatever you do, do it for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Created for Faith, Not Fear
Some of us have a lot of fear and anxiety when we try to move into purpose. It’s scary and seems impossible, but God gives us the strength and guidance we need to obey. The Word says the Holy Spirit is a helper and a counselor, and that He will teach us all things. We don’t have to know everything upfront before we get started. Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves and then end up in procrastination.
There have been several occasions where I have been told that I am a teacher. Different people at different times would prophesy to me and I would always feel intimidated. I would immediately think about the scripture that says teachers get judged more harshly than everyone else (James 3:1), and I just didn’t want any part in that. I would think to myself, “It’s hard enough keeping me and my kids in order!” I never understood why anyone would sign up for any leadership role in the church.
Such a Time As This Reveals Our Nature
Now suddenly, it seems like I have been seeing a lot of teachers and leaders having public scandals. These are respected leaders with huge followings. In today’s world where we equate membership numbers with “success”, it was disheartening, and I admit that I was challenged not to judge them. I don’t even know if any of it was true, but I would start to question whether or not I should watch them online anymore. I felt guilty about these thoughts and more so, I would hate to be seen in that light or have someone question their faith because of my actions.
God revealed to me that He rarely calls people for what we think they’re suited for. God told Moses to go to the elders of Israel and to the Pharaoh about freeing the Hebrews, and Moses had a speech problem. Jesus made Judas, a thief, His treasurer (John 12:6). He made Paul, who used to persecute the church, an Apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 26:12-18). None of these people seemed right for the job, nevertheless, they were called.
The truth is, we have just as much, if not more to learn from the position God puts us in for such a time as this. The will of God for our lives and the calling He gives us help to sanctify us through and through. It’s not just a title we get to throw around to show off. The process that comes through our development in these callings mold us into the image of Christ. And, as time goes on, we continue to evolve further into our purpose and identity. It’s not a destination, it’s a journey.
Redeem the Time of Your Purpose and Calling
More than ever the earth is groaning for the manifestation of the Sons of God (Romans 8:9). We have to stop trying to get to a certain place before we do what the Lord has told us to do. It’s an illusion. I believe that one reason we must seek God as we do His work is that it keeps us on our face before God. It’s what keeps us humble and it magnifies our need for Him.
When we see chaos and turmoil, we shouldn’t be afraid, we should seek God about how we can be used to make a difference. Maybe you’re already in your calling but you don’t know how God wants to use what you have to change the world. Consider a fast and keep pressing in to see what the Lord is saying. You never know what your instructions might be, but all things work together!
I always get so encouraged by the story I heard Ravi Zacharias tell about his friend, Fred, who led him to the Lord. Fred says he believes at times that he came into the world to bring the Bible into Mr. Zacharias’ hospital room and lead him to Christ. The story goes on but that was so interesting to me. Even if that was Fred’s purpose in life for such a time as this, look at how many lives have been changed through his obedience and legacy!
So, you never know how one small act of faith will impact the world. Don’t hesitate to act on even the small prompting of the Lord because you just never know.
So, What’s the Play Call?
- Be strong and of good courage (Joshua 1:6).
- God has created you for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).
- Remember that God doesn’t require you to be perfect before you start.
Be blessed.
