“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the One who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.’” (John 9:4-5 NLT)
Jesus had a deadline, and so do you and I. We all have only so many ticks of the clock to accomplish what the Lord put us here to do. Are you doing what you’ve been put here to do? Jesus did. He had a very specific assignment, one only He could accomplish and here’s the kicker – so do you and I!
Why do you think the Lord made the effort to form you perfectly in your mother’s womb. There’s not another person on earth exactly like you and there are assignments for God that only you can do. If you or I don’t do what God calls us to do, it won’t get done.
Why do you think there are so many unreached people and people groups in our world? It’s not because there isn’t anyone to reach them, it’s because the right person hasn’t answered their call and stepped up to do what only they can do.
So, that raises some questions. How do I know what I’ve been equipped and called to do? How does God speak? To whom does He speak? Does He speak? There are things the Lord is showing me in this time and season that I could have heard thirty, forty, fifty years ago if I’d been listening. He spoke, I was just too busy and too distracted to listen.
That’s what millions of believers in the world are doing right now. They think their life is about them. Their career, their family, their relationships, their business, their relaxation, their ________ (and you can fill in the blank). When we believe life is about us we don’t listen to the Lord because we think we already have life figured out.
I’m “hearing” the words of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life saying: “I’m going to travel the world, I’m going to build skyscrapers…and bridges…and…” but he ended up staying in the “measly little town” he despised, taking over the Savings and Loan his father had established and ran. But as much as he thought he hated it; in the end he realized what “A Wonderful Life” he’d been given. Why? Because he did what only he could do in that circumstance.
You have been given “a wonderful life,” too, my friend, you just may not have realized it yet. God speaks to those who will listen. Are you listening? What is it that God has given you? Where has He uniquely placed you? What experiences have you had that uniquely equip you to do what needs to be done where He’s placed you or in the place to which He’s calling you?
Jesus’ mission was to do one thing – to seek and save the lost! He had a very specific role in that process, one that no one else in all of history could have filled, but He stepped up and at the cost of His life, He paid the penalty for our sin. Then what? He called me and you to continue the quest of seeking the lost. He’ll still do the saving, but we have to take them to Him. WE MUST MAKE HIM KNOWN!
We’re not here to run a company or work at one; we’re not here simply to raise a family and go to church when it’s convenient. We’re here to spend ourselves in the Master’s service. And yes, of course, that often involves families and jobs and responsibilities, but it’s in that context we discover what Jesus has specifically and uniquely called us to. It’s not outside, beyond, or even in addition to what we find ourselves enmeshed in. If we’ll allow Him, He’ll show us our “mission,” our part in seeking the lost, right there in the midst of our mess.
Are you listening? Time’s running out.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 