Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Hebrews 12:2-3 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
1 Peter 4:2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God
No one can dispute that our world is challenging, difficult, and dark. Yet this is precisely the time that God has appointed us to communicate Christ to others by whatever means necessary. God reaches people for His kingdom through you and me. He calls us to trust Him and say, “Lord, here I am. Use me.”
Your God is intimately acquainted with you and wants to reveal your part in what He is doing on the earth. But perhaps you are fearful to answer His call because you’ve never experienced the power of the Holy Spirit in ministering to others. Or you’ve not yet discovered the spiritual gift He tailor-made for you. If so, ask Him, “What gift, or gifts, are mine to use for Your glory? How can I strengthen the body of Christ? And in what ways am I to be a witness of Your saving grace to the lost?” Then, boldly step out in faith.
When believers actively use their spiritual gifts, the Bible goes from theoretical to practical, accompanied by joyfully terrifying times of relying solely on the Holy Spirit’s power to accomplish His purposes. And in those God-ordained moments, He fills His people with joy, exuberance, and nearly boundless energy because they are His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs Jesus.
Did Jesus love? Yes. Was Jesus a servant? Yes. Did Jesus seek the lost? Yes. As Christ-followers, we must also be and do these things “because as He is, so are we in this world.” (Hibbs)
