You’ve heard the old expression – everybody has.  There’s no escaping death and taxes.  But really, is that all I’m here for? Doesn’t my life have a meaning – a purpose?

 

Interestingly enough, God’s Word has answers for us… doesn’t it always!   While many of our callings may be different, such as a speaker, a great neighbor, a street corner preacher, the intent and purpose is basically the same.  Ephesians 2:10  ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

So, God made us for a specific purpose He had in mind. Everybody’s calling, everybody’s “good works” are different.  You are called for the time and place where He placed you, in the circle of people He placed you.  But why? Because there’s something He wants to do through you! Some special work He wants to accomplish and He’s chosen you to do it!

How does that tie in with the rest of us? Matthew 28:19-20 says,  ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Okay, so everyone is supposed to make disciples, baptize and teach them to walk in God’s ways. How in the world do we accomplish this?  It seems like such a huge thing to do, such a huge task He has asked all of us to handle. Overwhelming in most people’s minds. But when you really think about it, it’s only living out loud the life God has called us – victorious, being an overcomer.  People will notice and they will ask.

And then they ask… Oh Lord, how can I open my mouth and answer?  I haven’t practiced, I don’t know what to say.  I’m not a preacher!  But the truth is – we ALL have a story about how Jesus intervened in our lives – how God helped us – something we’re especially thankful to God for.

It’s a special story between just you and God.  And He wants you to tell all about it. It’s just talking to a friend, after all… like telling a favorite family story or about your summer vacation and how great it was.  It’s no big deal like we make it out to be. There was the time when…

And the Holy spirit will use your stories and your words…. sometimes to plant a seed.  Sometimes to actually pray with someone to receive Jesus.  It’s all up to Him, it’s not on you!  And that just takes all the pressure off!

Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb
    and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much
    as to shrink from death.

See, it’s our story that people can relate to, that people are touched by.  Funny story about that… my daughter recently went on a missions trip to Thailand.  She had to speak once in front of a group of kids.  Now, if you know my daughter, she doesn’t ever talk.  She is the silent one in the room.  She’s observing and watching.

So she built this five-minute talk into something that was huge in her mind – monstrous, even.  And after all was said and done she came home and said that she hopes next year she can speak more times and maybe even longer.  Even she decided that talking wasn’t a big deal.

So next time the Holy Spirit nudges you to speak to someone, do it! After all, it’s what we’re here for!