To say we are living in difficult times is somewhat of an understatement. This year has been quite the challenge in many ways for everyone.
I found out when Bill died how much I had taken for granted and taken him for granted. This year I realized again how much I’ve taken for granted. It seems like I don’t really appreciate all that I have and have had until it’s taken away.
I know that I want to be more grateful for each day of life and especially for the relationships I have in my life. God is a relational God, he wanted us to have a relationship with him and created us for that purpose. Jesus was all about relationships. He didn’t have possessions but he had disciples that he spent his time with.
He lived life before them, taught them, and loved them. God calls us to do the same. His last words before he went back into heaven were, “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.” Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
If you’re wondering about your purpose and calling, this verse makes it pretty clear. It’s not about being a missionary, necessarily, and going to a foreign country. If you’re a believer, having trusted Christ for salvation, you are called to disciple wherever you are.
If you’re a mom and have children you’ve got your disciples right there at home with you. If you’re working along someone in your job, no matter if you are the boss or the employee, you are called to disciple. God may be calling you to set aside a special time to meet with one or three others and intentionally disciple.
I would recommend a book I’ve been using, Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden. And of course, it’s more than just going through the book together, it’s about walking through ups and downs of life together, praying together and encouraging one another. I have to say this has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things I’ve ever done.
Even though I am the one discipling, I am learning a lot from the study book and my disciples. If you’re not sure who you should be discipling or if you want to be discipled by someone, pray about it. God will lead you and then step out in faith and “just do it.”
– Pat Estes
Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash