“After I had returned to Jerusalem and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance
and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry, leave Jerusalem at once, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’
But I replied, ‘Lord, they themselves know that from synagogue to synagogue I used to imprison and beat those who believed in you.”
Acts 22:17-19 (NAB)
Jesus appeared to Paul while he was praying, and told him to leave Jerusalem at once. Paul tried to convince the Lord that he could handle the anti-Christian mobs, since he used to be one of them.
Jesus listened to him but insisted,
“Go, I shall send you far away to the Gentiles.” (Acts 22:21)
Paul was fearless, but Jesus knew that Paul would not be accepted by the brutal authorities in Jerusalem, and He had better plans for Paul, to send him out to minister to the gentile world. That became Paul’s unique calling, as an apostle to the gentiles.
God has a calling and a purpose for every believer. We might not even recognize our calling at first. To have a calling doesn’t mean we are to be missionaries, teachers or preachers, like Paul. The Lord simply places us in specific places at specific times, to shine our light to specific people.
If it shines and touches one soul for eternity, it’s a success, since all of heaven rejoices over one single soul. There is peace and joy in knowing we are exactly where we were meant to be, whether it’s our job, school, church or neighborhood.
When the apostles received the mandate to spread the gospel to the world, they each had a uniquely different ministry from each other. Peter went to Antioch, which is present day Turkey. Thomas was called to India. James stayed in Jerusalem, and Andrew was known as the apostle to the Greeks.
Each apostle served their purpose, even though times were perilous for all Christians. In time, they were all martyred, except for John, who had the unique calling to write the book of Revelation while living in exile, on the island of Patmos.
We are all chosen by God, for a unique purpose, and made for more than a common mortal existence. We are immortal beings, and as we continue to offer our lives in service to Jesus, He places us in the right place at the right time, because He made us for so much more. When we live with a sense of identity and purpose in Christ, we will impact someone else’s eternity.
I remember a Japanese friend I had in college, during the time when I was excited to share my faith with anyone I met. Yoshi was raised Buddhist, and never really understood the Christian gospel message. I used to talk to him about Jesus and invited him to my church a few times.
Life went on after college and we never saw each other again. “Fifty years” later, a relative of mine met Yoshi, and told me that Yoshi credits me as the person who introduced him to Jesus. He became a believer ever since, and I never even knew I had any impact on him, and that he was living a Christian life all those years.
We never know how we or our words can influence someone else’s life. Everywhere God leads us has some divine purpose. When I started my career in health care, I was fixated on the idea of working at Northwestern Memorial hospital. I sent a resume and prayed so hard for that position, but it never came to pass.
Instead, Lutheran General called me for an interview, and I was hired and worked there for over 25 years. I may not know what influence my life had on anyone else, but I do know that many of the people I worked with, resulted in lifelong friendships. They will all be in my heart forever.
It was through the hospital that I learned about the volunteer ministry with the chaplain department, and I have continued that ministry into my retirement, which is very fulfilling.
God is always a step ahead of us.
I once heard a preacher say, “Instead of asking God to bless what you are doing, do what God is already blessing.”
We want God to bless our plans, but sometimes He wants us to know that where we currently are, is His plan. He made us for more than just a mundane mortal existence. He wants us to partner with Him in making an impact on someone else’s life, which will last eternally. There are greater blessings ahead for us, but it starts by serving Him right where we are.
Lord, help us to know that we are loved and called according to your purpose, to serve you faithfully by shining our light on others, wherever you have placed us, and lead us in your will, instead of our own plans. Amen
( I’m sharing a song that fits these thoughts.The words are so beautiful)
Made For More (Lyric) – Josh Baldwin, feat. Jenn Johnson – YouTube