Purpose

When I was five, shortly after I have given my life to Jesus; Mama, Grandma and I went to town to do some shopping. One of our stops was the lumber yard, now for some of you younger folks, that is an Ace hardware store, or a Lowe's! My mama was quite a handy woman around the house and she had projects going all the time, therefore the reason for the stop at the lumber yard. Grandma and I chose to stay in the truck and wait on mama that day. I was new in my faith and very excited to share with anyone and everyone, soon a gruff older gentleman walked passed our way. I yelled out, "Hey mister, do you know my Jesus?" He looked up and just barely said "Hmmph" and kept walking. I was devastated, I couldn't understand why he didn't run over excited to hear more and accept Jesus the same way I did when Mama had shared with me. Grandma hugged me and said something I will never forget, "Honey, it is not our job to worry about the outcome we are just sowers, we plant the seeds, some of us water the seeds and God brings the harvest when it's ready." I had no clue what that meant! Of course, she explained that I did what Jesus wanted me to do by trying to share the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ with others, and how they react to the good news is not up to me.

I often reflect on that day when I was five, so boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and often wonder where that brave little girl has gone. Jesus, before leaving the disciples and returning to heaven left them with very clear instructions what the disciples and our purpose here on earth are to be. In Matthew 28:18-20 "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." I, like most of my brothers and sisters in Christ, am certainly not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We all know our purpose as children of the king, I do not know why we find it so hard some days to share the good news with others. Maybe the fear of rejection, maybe we have let the world silence us with their views and pushing back against us. Whatever it is beloved, we need to wash our faces and look in the mirror, turn on our praise music and tell ourselves we are children of the Most High King! We have nothing or no one to fear, we should boldly proclaim the good news to everyone!

I believe beloved there has never been a time like the present that our world needs to hear the gospel of Jesus. If you watch the news for just five minutes you can see all kinds of ugliness and an obvious need for Jesus. As Christians, if we do not go and tell people then who will? I know especially as women we sometimes think we are exempt because we are busy with homes to tend, children, dinner, homework, laundry, the list goes on and on, but ladies we are not exempt. It is all our purpose as Christians to go and make disciples. Ladies our influence is far-reaching, not just in our homes, but in our extended families, friends, co-workers and now with social media it is limitless.

In Ephesians, Paul tells the church at Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over the present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Paul knew that our purpose of sharing the gospel just might be a battle. I think some days Paul even struggled, he asked for special prayer in Ephesians 6:18-19 "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." 

So, keep your chin up, if such a champion as Paul struggled with boldness and needed prayer there is hope for you and me beloved. The main thing is that we keep on keeping on, that we do not give up or give in to society. That we dig deep to find the brave inside of us and share with people the one person.. Jesus, that can change their lives forever. Afterall sharing Jesus is the good news!

Jesus, thank you for salvation, that we have good news to share with a fallen sinful world. Help us to be brave, to go out and fulfill the purpose that you put us here for, to plant seeds, to water, for the harvest of souls. Jesus, I pray that you will help us to boldly tell others about you, your love and saving grace.