Have you ever had a week where life felt so heavy or routine that you thought, why doesn’t God just call my home right now? Skipping the pain and going straight to Jesus sounds pretty fantastic, doesn’t it! When we are born again, putting our faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, why doesn’t God just bring us home to Him then and there?
Paul felt that exact tension. In Philippians chapter 1, Paul writes, “to live is Christ and to die is gain”. He’s on house arrest and isn’t sure if he will be executed or has years of life left. He identifies the struggle of wanting to go be with Christ in heaven but also wanting to remain on earth to labor for Christ. He has no doubts that Heaven is infinitely better, but realizes something profound. His life on earth wasn’t an accident; it was an assignment. He concludes, “I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith…”.
If you have a pulse, you have a purpose. You are here for other people: to share the gospel, to build up others in the faith, and to be the hands and feet of Jesus! For me, that looks like making disciples at my kitchen table, loving my next-door neighbors, and pouring into the next generation of worshipers at Church! Your mission field might look different, but the call is the same.
Who are you here for? Don’t just think about it generically. Pause right now and ask God for one specific name. Write that name on a sticky note or your phone, and ask Him how you can encourage them in their faith this week!
See you Sunday!
Pastor Kyle