My mission right now, that I feel like God is calling me to, is to write my novel. I really feel that God has placed this on my heart.
So, my counselor and I were talking this week about my four main resolutions for this year. They are to write my book, to grow closer to Jesus, to have a healthier lifestyle, and, also, to not take on too much - to say "no" to certain things that I don't feel God calling me to.
And, she pointed out that my resolutions kind of work together. They sort of all add up to my main mission.
In my saying "no" to something or to myself with things that I don't feel led to by God, it helps me to have more time to be healthy. Being healthy helps me in having a better relationship with Jesus, which helps me to write my novel. And, I'm hoping, it will encourage more people to know Jesus and to grow closer to Him.
Photo by Impresso Studios on Unsplash
The percentage of success at a video game goes down when one’s not sure what they’re doing or when they get distracted with other activities. The same goes for our missions in life; which include both our assignment as a Christian and God’s personal callings for us. We must take time to get to know and pursue our mission.
Our overarching mission, as a Christian, is to tell people about Jesus and to disciple others. Furthermore, we’re here to bring God praise and glory. He has given us the resources to do this by sending the Holy Spirit to live in Christians and by giving us spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit. There’s a variety of different spiritual gifts with which a Christian could be given to carry out their callings.
Ways to know our mission better are: One, understand that every mission should be centered around glorifying God, leading people to Jesus, helping people grow closer to Him, or a combo. Our personal callings should aid in our overarching assignment. Two, ask these three questions about the mission – Is it just? Is it merciful? Will I be walking with God? We need to be thinking about whether it aligns with what God values, while committing to do it with Him. Three, seek His Will. If there’s uncertainty, ask God to reveal His direction and then have faith in it. Keep in mind that, just because it’s a good mission, doesn’t mean it’s for everyone to do.
Ways to pursue our mission better are: One, use our spiritual gifts. God has matched our skills through His power to a task that needs them. Two, depend on God for success. We’re called to actively pursue the mission, God’s in charge of the success – it might just look different than expected. Three, do it for God’s glory. Sometimes, we pursue the right calling, but with the wrong motivations. This makes enduring through obstacles harder. Doing everything for God is our antidote for giving up. Three, throw off sin. We’re slower and distracted when sin is holding us back, so let pursuing the mission help in shedding off the sin. Lastly, stay focused. If God has provided the skills and resources to pursue a mission, let’s not spend them on a calling we’re not being led to.
God’s Guidance:
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) – “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NIV) – “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Micah 6:8 (NIV) – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) – “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Exodus 31:1-5 (NIV) – “Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”
Application:
1. Take a spiritual gifts test and begin to apply it in your calling
2. Pray and ask God for direction and guidance in your mission
3. Make some adjustments in your life to ensure you’re staying focused on your mission (e.g., limiting what you take on, having accountability, rearranging your schedule)
Strength Point:
God commissions us all to share about salvation in Jesus, disciple others, and to glorify Him; and does this by giving us specific callings that use our uniqueness to pursue them.
A song for this week:
Reflection Question:
Do your goals align with the mission that God is calling you to?
Prayer Prompt:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for giving me a mission to carry out. You’re always right there, helping me with every task. I’m sorry for my times of laziness, selfishness, and distraction. I desire to be totally focused and __ on the mission You are calling me to. But first, Lord, I pray that You’d reveal what Your mission right now is for me. Clear the distractions around me, especially things that __. When I get lost, give up, or __ during the process of my mission; remind me of who You are and who I am in You. God, I know there will be obstacles and opposition, but if this is truly what You’re calling me to do, please help me to view them with peace, courage, and hope. Thank You for equipping me with everything I need to be successful on my mission. You are my gentle and caring Commander. I love You, Jesus! In Jesus’ Name, I pray, amen.
A Prayer to Prayer over others:
Hi Jesus! Thank You for giving us missions to carry out. You’re always right there, helping us with every task. Help my friend to push away laziness, selfishness, and distractions. Create a desire in them to be totally focused on and passionate about the mission You are calling them to. But first, Lord, I pray that You’d reveal to my friend what Your mission right now is for them. Clear the distractions around them, especially things that might procrastinate the accomplishment of the present mission. When my friend gets lost, gives up, or goes their own way during the process of their mission; remind them of who You are and how much You love them. God, I know there will be obstacles and opposition, but if this is truly what You’re calling them to do, please help them to view these things with peace, courage, and hope. Thank You for equipping us with everything we need to be successful on our missions. You are our gentle and caring Commander. I love You, Jesus! In Your Name, Jesus, I pray, amen.
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