Imagine you’re called into your coach’s office. Not knowing what to expect, you open the door, step inside and sit down. He or she looks at you for a moment, then shares you’re named captain of next year’s team. You’re being entrusted to lead your teammates on and off the field.
Does your coach need you to help lead the team? Not necessarily. He or she has the title of coach for a reason: they are fully capable of leading on their own. But your coach wants you to have a role in team leadership. You’re trusted, and you have no idea what your coach might have in store for this role.
This is how God trains us, as well. This is how we grow.
God has called us into His office and asked us to be captains for His team.
He has entrusted us with a mission.
What is the mission we are called to? What are we being entrusted with?
The Mission
“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this; I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
These were the last words Jesus spoke before leaving earth. His last words were entrusting us with a mission: tell everyone about the Father and the Son.
He entrusts us to go out and share the Gospel. We are called to a huge mission that is deeply important. And the crazy and beautiful thing is God does not tell us how to; He just tells us to go.
You can share this message on the field, in the weight room, in the cafeteria, in the classroom, at the store, at your home, at the mall, wherever, whenever!
God does not need us, but He invites us into the journey.
Look at how Jesus began his mission for us. “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” Just as the football coach does not need captains to coach, Jesus does not need us to be a King; He’s already taken that role. He is given power over everything and everyone, both on heaven and on earth! He is King regardless of us. He could simply open the heavens and tell everyone at once who He is and who His Father is.
So, why would He call powerless people like us to help Him do this mission that He could do in a split second? As much as He does not need us, He wants us. He loves us so much and delights in us when we are co-collaborators for His mission.
Although we do not know what is to come on this mission, we should obey and trust God is with us every step of the way.
This mission is a big one. Look how Jesus ends His directive: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” He knew this mission was a big one to entrust us with. He knew we would need help. He knew if we did this mission by ourselves, we would get lost and fail. So, He promises He will be right by our side until it’s complete. We should celebrate this promise and accept the mission that He has entrusted to us, even if we do not know what is right around the corner. We hold fast onto His promise, “I am with you.”
What is our mission? It could be a kind word to a teammate no one gets along with. It could be staying after practice to pick up equipment when you weren’t asked. It could be sticking up for someone people are picking on. It could be telling your friend about Jesus. Whatever the mission, Jesus has entrusted us to live it out. And as each of us lives out our part of the mission, we get to step back and see we’re part of an even greater plan God has for the whole world.
“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)
He’s giving us the chance to live in a way that brings glory to Him and draws others to know God personally. He wants us on board. Will you accept the mission God has entrusted you with today?
NEW DEVO!
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!
Want to learn more about pursuing team and surrounding yourself with the right spiritual teammates? Head to FCA in Action and read our October Pursue articles:
Anchor Article: Embrace the Call: Trust the Mission
*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.
About the Author:
Arbor Diggs is an Area Representative for Knoxville FCA in Tennessee. She works with high school female student athletes and coaches in her area. She mentors, disciples, leads Huddles and manages the social media and all graphic designs for her area. From age 3-21 she trained in ballet, eventually leading her to become a soloist ballet dancer for her company. Her husband Adam is also on staff with FCA. Coffee and warm weather makes her happy, as does telling stories about God and His people to the world. Connect with her at arbordiggs@fca.org
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