Discover His heart: He gives His Holy Spirit to guide our mission in life
When we set out on a mission to buy a new product of any kind, we’re the most successful when we do our homework first. We check the advertising flyers and then visit the store to touch and hold the product. Or we scour the internet for consumer reports, special sales and anything that will inform us about the product. Really, a savvy consumer would not depend on impulse or guesswork to complete a mission like this. However, as believers, we are on a mission every day, and so often we don’t take the time to do our homework.
Whether we choose to accept it or not, the Gospels present to us our mission, the Great Commission, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.” (Mark 16:15) When we step out into our world each day, how prepared are we to accomplish our mission?
@ Acts 13
It’s only right that Paul, the Great Evangelist, the great consumer of souls, would serve as the template for our mission. “One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them’…So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit… Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (2,4,9) Paul did his homework! He spent time in prayer, worship and fasting to where his will was surrendered to God’s will. He was filled with the Holy Spirit to where his steps were surrendered to God’s steps.
Throughout Acts, we read how God guided Paul to the right place at the right time. “On the Sabbath [Paul and Barnabas] went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and the prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, come and give it.” (15) I just love when God opens the doors for our mission. When we are led by the Holy Spirit, we see the open doors, His set-ups, and walk right through them to present the Gospel.
Sometimes we are hindered by the response we receive on our mission. Once again, Paul was not threatened by the reaction of his listeners. Many people, especially Gentiles, accepted his message and received the Lord as their Savior, but many others rejected his message to the point of physical attack, “They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead.” (14:19) Paul was not responsible for the response of his listeners.
It’s our responsibility to present the Gospel, and it’s the Holy Spirit’s responsibility to touch the hearts of men. Of course, when we surrender our day to the leading of the Holy Spirit, we have Him right there with us, partnering in our mission. We need not be discouraged when our message is rejected because we have no idea where the Holy Spirit will take it in those hostile lives. Remember, Paul was present at Stephen’s stoning. Every day we are challenged to accept our mission, do our homework and follow through with unhindered tenacity.
Moving Forward: Yes, I’ll accept my mission today. Yes, I will do my homework. And yes, I will tenaciously complete my mission just like any savvy shopper would do.
Tomorrow @ I Peter 4-5
Phyllis Benigas 