What is the point?

Two men set out on a dangerous mission of the highest importance. They understood that this mission would take more effort than they could imagine, and cost more than they would be able to pay on their own.

The first man set out on this mission. He had decided in his own heart that it was something he wanted to do. When sharing his vision with some friends, they seemed to share in this enthusiasm and sent him on his way with glad tidings. As the man set out on this mission, he left full of energy and determination, but after a while, his energy dwindled, and his determination faded. Encouragement from his friends started to turn to questioning, and personal setbacks slowly eroded his resolve. Resources that first seemed substantial ran out until the enormity of the task became too much, and the man was soon left burnt out, defeated, and cynical.

The second man, however, had this desire placed in his heart by someone else. The President of the country had specifically called this man by name, for this particular mission, and granted the resources of the country to help enable him in this task. While some of this man’s friends questioned his calling to this particular mission, the man understood his orders came not from man but from a higher authority. After a while, this man faced setbacks, struggles, and hardship just as the other had done. His resolve eroded, and the enormity of he task seemed crushing, but upon remembering his orders, where they came from, and the resources at his disposal, he persevered, all the way until the end.

In your own life, which person are you? Under whose authority do you go about living your life and the calling placed upon your heart? What is the wealth of your resources?

“Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—”Galatians 1:1 NIV

This can also be said of you. You have been sent not from men, but by Jesus, to a divine task. God has a calling for your life. A calling that is specific to you.

Questions over calling and purpose have been asked for centuries and will be asked for many more. In the last three years alone, it is estimated that over half a million books have been published aiming to cover these topics. While some of those books may be helpful and even have wisdom, the truth is found in the Bible.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." Mark 16:15 NIV

You will find your specific calling and task when you step into the task God has given you.

If you are trying to make your own way, you will find you are on your own, but if you seek the kingdom and trust in God, you will see that it is he who enables you to tread upon the heights. (Psalms 18:33) Hebrews in the "Hall of Fame of Faith“ talks about how Abraham was looking forward to the city with foundations whose architect and builder was God. Abraham, the very patriarch of our faith, lays out the example: live for God and to glorify him.

Finally, the last portion of this verse reminds us of the power we have to accomplish the task.

While speaking with a friend, they recounted the first time they told someone about Jesus. They had just come to faith themselves and barely knew anything, but they knew they were told to share the faith, and so they did. Stumbling over words and not quite knowing what to say as he talked with this stranger, he prayed, and in the end, this stranger gave their life to Jesus. They shared this story because from that moment in their life, they realised it wasn’t about them or their ability, it was about God and his.

As you share the gospel with those around you who do not know Jesus, you will see that it is less about the specific words you say but the willingness to trust God and do it. This is a lesson in faith that is pivotal to learn, because much the same way, you will see that wherever God calls you, it is his power that will be at work in you to accomplish the task. Whether that be in a high-stress career, at school, or even on a recreational sports team.

The only question that remains is, will you do the work he has called you to?