“That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.” (Colossians 1:29 NLT)
The ONLY thing that is preventing you from being everything that God designed and ordained you to be is YOU.
Once you commit to following Jesus without excuse or reservation, will it be easy? It will be the hardest thing you’ll ever do in your life. It will demand every bit of strength, creativity, and determination that you can muster. Will it be worth it? Words cannot describe how elated you will be when you kneel face down at the feet of your Creator at your journeys’ end!
But how do I know what God designed me to do? That’s easy. He created and designed us to have a love relationship with Him. He’s a loving, compassionate Father who loves each of His children as if they were His only child, but He formed us uniquely to fulfill a specific mission on this earth. Our mission is to love Him supremely, be loved by Him passionately, and to point as many people as possible to Him before it’s eternally too late.
Paul writes in Colossians 1:28: ”So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.” This verse leads into the verse at the top of the page that describes Paul’s work to carry out his calling.
There’s nothing a person can ever do that comes close to the value of loving and living for Jesus. But just because it’s right and good, doesn’t mean it’s not going to be a struggle. According to commentator William Hendricksen, the literal Greek translation of Colossians 1:29 is: “By means of his energy energizing within me with power.” Dr. David Jeremiah writes in reference to that verse: “The Lord’s power is bottomless, boundless, and immeasurable.”
As a follower of Jesus, every contact we have with another person is going to do one of two things: draw them to Jesus or push them further away. How does that happen? Often without saying a word, our countenance shouts a message. The messages can range from – “You’re attractive and pleasant, so I’ll smile at you.” to “Your appearance disgusts me, so I’ll avoid you at all costs.”
Many times, our countenance has nothing to do with anyone but ourselves – our thoughts, the activities of the day, or we may just be tired and inattentive to others. The point is, we’re ALWAYS on mission for the Lord. We don’t have the luxury of pushing someone away from Jesus for any reason.
Meditate, contemplate, and prayerfully consider how God has wired you. What are your strengths as a person? Do you love being with people or prefer to be and/or work alone? Do you like being indoors or in nature? Whatever you discover, ask yourself: “Being the person God has made me and knowing He doesn’t make mistakes, what role is He asking me to fill in the Body of Christ that will maximize my effectiveness and fruitfulness for Christ’s honor and fame?”
The Holy Spirit will lead you. I’ve learned over the years that I write much more effectively than I speak. How ironic that the Lord called me to be a Pastor for more than thirty years. I’ve learned He has a very good sense of humor! The point is to be submissive to His authority in your life, look around you – literally. What do you see? For the bulk of your day, are you alone or with people? Do you communicate best in person or electronically? How do you best build friendships with others? Knowing your mission is to point people to Jesus, in what role do you see yourself serving at your local church? In the community? Personally, in your own neighborhood or circle of friends or acquaintances?
In whatever direction the Spirit leads you, create a plan. Speak with someone you trust about what you’re thinking. Let family and/or friends who know you well give you feedback and listen carefully to their insights. God has a mission for you to point others to Him and He will give you everything you need to be everything He’s asking you to be.
Buckle up. Get ready for the greatest adventure of your life – obeying Jesus and living courageously for Him!
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 