Have you ever felt like there was something you needed to do? In school, the teacher called it homework. On a job, the supervisor referred to it as tasks. In the military, the term is orders. Regardless of the arena, there is an assignment for us to complete. Many assignments cross our paths. However, God’s assignment outranks them all.
The Story: Mark 6:7-13
In Mark 6:7-13, Jesus called the 12 disciples to their assignment. He sent them out in pairs to cast out unclean spirits with power and authority. The only thing they could take was a walking stick. The would leave behind food, money, and luggage. The only clothes they wore was one tunic and a pair of sandals.
As the disciples went on their way, they would stay in one place until the time came to leave. If anyone rejected them, the disciples were to dust their feet. This action was a sign that there was no longer a connection to the people. While in the towns, the disciples preached repentance. This message meant that people would change their thinking about sin resulting in changed lives. In addition, the disciples cast out evil spirits and healed the sick. Therefore, they completed their assignment.
The Lesson
Although our assignment may not be ministry like the 12 disciples, we all have an assignment. We actually have at least two.
- Represent God – As believers, we’re asked to guide people to Jesus. There are various ways to serve as a guide and all are useful and applicable at some point.
- We can simply tell people about Jesus. In this, we speak of who He is and why He came. We proclaim what He’s done for us and how He can save them. We conclude with a prayer and guide them to repentance (Romans 10:9-10).
- We can also showcase Jesus. I believe this method is most effective. We simply live our lives based on who God is to us. People may not always believe what we say, but can see what we do. As believers, we are living breathing testaments of Jesus. Walk uprightly for people are watching.
- Purpose – Outside of representing God, His plan and purpose for your lives is the most important assignment. Before the world began and while in our mother’s womb, God predestined us (Romans 8:29-30). We have various tasks to complete for the assignment.
- Seek God for the assignment – Since God created you for a purpose, He knows the assignment. By spending time with Him, you discover your assignment.
- Find the clues – God gives us clues on the identity of our assignment. Think about the things you love to do. If money were no object, what would you do for free? What do people constantly compliment you on? Reflect and discover the assignment.
- Reject the critics – Once you identify the assignment, people including yourself, may speak against your discovery. When the comments are a threat to the assignment, we have to dust our feet and move away from the naysayers. The only voice that matters is God’s. He created you so His assignment is top priority. Ignore the naysayers and keep moving forward.
- Just Do It – We’ve wasted enough time and we need to activate. Whether a small step or a large one, make one. Fear may come a knocking; yet the response is Do It Afraid. As a result, fear learns that it has no place and we discover that the fear wasn’t real.
As we move forward in our assignment, we trust God’s walks with us. He guides and orchestrates our paths toward completion of our assignments. Also, He brings destiny helpers because we can’t do it alone. So, get to moving, the people are waiting.
