In September, we talked about what it means to Commit to the Team and seek accountability and commitment from and to those Jesus has placed around us.
Over the next quarter, we’ll continue our journey of PURSUE and explore what it means to Pursue Mission. We’ll learn what it takes to trust, prepare for and commit to the mission that God has for our lives as we get involved where He is leading us.
This month, we dig into what it looks like to Trust the Mission and fully embrace what God has called you to do.
Legacies of sports legends live on in Halls of Fame, record books and stories told through generations. The great comebacks, Cinderella stories, buzzer beaters and personal and team achievements grow magnificent the more we stop and think how difficult the odds were to attain the outcome. We are amazed at what has been accomplished, and something strikes a flame inside us to step up into this realm of triumph.
We long for significance. We long to know if what we do is making a difference and impacting lives. We want to know that our days aren’t wasted and God has given us something to do. We believe He has placed a calling on our lives, but we aren’t sure what that is or how to go about it. How do we know when we are living out the mission? How do we know what God has placed in us to be and do?
Remember what He has already done.
Throughout history, throughout Scripture, God has taken ordinary people like us and used them in mighty ways to get His message of love and redemption to a world in need of Jesus. When Jesus walked the earth, His strides were sure and steady, knowing what God asked of Him.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
He did amazing things with His disciples and the early church, and He wants to do amazing things through us, too.
When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our patterns of thought, speech and actions, we become empowered to live out the specific gifts and callings He has prepared us for. We believe there is more to our lives, but what?
There are things He has in store for you, but you first need to acknowledge God’s leadership and sovereignty, and trust God’s guidance in your life. Before you can embrace your call, you must initially trust the mission. And trusting the mission begins with trusting a few basic truths from God.
God Entrusts
Yes, God can do everything Himself. He doesn’t need us, but He likes to invite us into the journey. We are co-creators and co-collaborators with Him on earth, and He entrusts us with very special missions that fit who He wants to reach and how He’s going to do it. He gives us a mission, and we obey, sometimes even before we learn the details.
Fully embrace what God has called you to do and believe that He will give you everything you need to get the job done.
Do you wonder whether God could entrust an important mission to you? Believe that He knows what He’s doing and is right there with you, sharing His plans and letting you in on His personal hope for the world and how He wants you to be a part of it.
“And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for Him.” (Titus 1:3)
God Equips
There’s a saying that God doesn’t call the equipped but equips the called. He looks at the heart and a willingness to follow Him. Then, when He finds those who volunteer to tell His story, He pours His Spirit into them and provides all that’s needed for that mission.
Are you fearful that your skills don’t qualify you? Don’t fret; follow Jesus—your willing heart is what He’s after. Fully embrace what God has called you to do and believe that He will give you everything you need to get the job done.
“May He equip you with all you need for doing his will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen.” (Hebrews 13:21)
God Expands
As we are faithful in small beginnings, God grows our mission and expands the work of our hands for His Kingdom purposes. For all the miracles Jesus performed, He left us with the truth that in His name and by His Spirit, we can do even greater things that will impact lives and last for eternity.
Are you hesitant with how much you can do? Just look to what’s in front of you at the moment and believe that as sure as God has entrusted you with the mission and equipped you for it, He can expand your sphere of influence as He sees fit.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works.” (John 14:12a)
We want a legacy that will mark eternity. God gives us what we need to accomplish this, through His presence, strength and direction. He has something extraordinary for you. Will you believe this? Will you live your life like you believe?
Embrace your call. Trust the mission. Watch God work.
Consider: Do you believe God entrusts, equips and expands your mission and calling to the people around you?
Action: Make a commitment to God to live out your mission and ask Him to show you what that is today.
This quarter, we’re exploring what it means to Pursue Mission. This month, our focus is on how to Trust the Mission. Join us as we journey through this exploration and Prepare for the Mission next month.
One way to actively Pursue Mission is to get involved with FCA. Whether it’s volunteering as a Huddle leader or character coach, or committing to our team and coming on staff, we have a place for you to serve and disciple coaches and athletes. Get involved!
*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.
Other Pursue Articles:
Read previous months' articles:
January: Imperative: Read The Truth
February: Connected: Pray The Truth
March: Accountable: Reach For Truth
April: Be Honest: Open Your Heart
May: Be Intentional: Examine Your Heart
June: It’s Time: Surrender Your Heart
July: Take Assessment: Evaluate the Team
August: Do The Work: Draft the Team
September: What It’s Worth: Commit to the Team
-FCA-
Photo courtesy of Unsplash