You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. John 15:16 ESV.
God, in His sovereignty, chooses who He will to fulfill His will and purposes. I suggest as you read through His Word, take note of various individuals. Just in 1 Chronicles 27:32, we find four men singled out. Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a wise counselor to the king, a man of great insight, and a scribe. Jehiel the Hacmonite was responsible for teaching the king’s sons. Ahitophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend. These four men had different roles to play, different assignments, if you will. We assume God chose them for these various positions. Imagine simply being mentioned because you were the king’s friend! In 1 Chronicles 28:10, we find David’s admonition to his son Solomon: so take this seriously. The Lord has chosen you to build a Temple as his sanctuary. Be strong and do the work. NLT. I think we can take advice from David’s words to Solomon…whatever He has chosen us to do: we need to be strong and do the work.
Matthew chapter 2 mentions some more wise men. The Magi who followed a star. No one forced them to leave their homeland. No one forced them to, at their own expense, bring gold, frankincense and myrrh. Somehow, they were the ones chosen to help support Jesus, Mary, and Joseph during his beginning years. They were not Jewish, but pagan! They not only studied the stars, but understood its special meaning and responded to it. As I was thinking about them, I wondered about our callings. Do we not only study the truth that God has a calling and purpose in our own lives? But do we actually invest to accomplish that purpose? Are we, like David’s advice to Solomon, committed to be strong and doing the work it takes? I want to encourage all of us, we have what we need to do His will, because we have Him.
My friends, focus on what you can do to fulfill what you know is His will for your life. Ask for any further revelation, as needed, but I believe if we simply seek Him, follow Him and do what is at hand, our lives will be successful. Maybe we are called to be someone’s friend, like Hushai the Arkite. Or are you a wise counselor? Maybe you have been called to teach the next generation, like Jehiel the Hacmonite. He probably taught Solomon! Maybe if we humble ourselves and do the seemingly “smaller” things at hand, God will do even more in us and through us. It is really up to Him, isn’t it?
Father, I thank You for allowing us to take part in Your purpose and calling. We were chosen, by You to strengthen Your Kingdom through our lives, and for that we are so grateful. Please continue to teach us and guide us in Your ways,my Lord. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Faith Encounters 