God Said "Go"

Wednesdays are crazy days. My oldest usually has Girl Scouts and soccer back to back, my husband sometimes has a meeting in the evening and I teach a class at church. Some nights it's a struggle for me to pull it all together, and I wonder if it's really worth it for me to teach on such a busy night.

Every time I wonder that, I end up sitting in class with the amazing moms and dads who are so eager to hear what the Bible has to say about parenting, and God reminds me that this is what He sent me to do. I always leave encouraged, knowing that God is making a difference in the lives of parents and kids. And who knows how those families are going to change the world for Him?

Some mornings I would rather not get up and write the blog. It's super tempting to snuggle under my blankets and catch another half hour of sleep. Usually, on those days, God blesses me with some great comment or email from a reader, and I know His word is making a difference in a family that I may or may not know.

You see, God called me to this mission field. He spent my whole life preparing me to fill this role in His plan. I wouldn't have picked this particular ministry at this particular time in my life. I'm still not sure why God called me. I'm really sure that there are people who are smarter and way more qualified than I am.

I look at all God has done in the past year and a half since He told me to write a Bible study, and I am amazed. I see the lives He's touched and the changes He's made in my life and in the life of my family, and I am amazed. I look at the things He is asking me to do in the future, and I am amazed. God has gotten a hold of my hopes and dreams and directed them for His purpose.

God has prepared each of us to fill a specific role in His plan. The last thing Jesus told His disciples was "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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  (Matthew 28:19-20) God is calling you to go and make disciples. He calls some to leave home and go overseas, but He calls some of us to "go" in our own neighborhood. Your "mission field" may be the kids in your neighborhood. It may be the lady who lives next door. Or He may be calling you to take the first step on a journey to a worldwide ministry. But, there's no doubt that He is calling you to "go" in some form.

God is also calling your kids to "go." He may be asking them to befriend the friendless child in their class. He may be asking them to serve some underprivileged kids by collecting books or foods. But there is no doubt that God is calling them to "go" and serve, as well. Help your children find ways to serve others in their community. Help them lead a food drive for the homeless. Point out needs when you see them and figure out ways you and your kids can meet them. Take every opportunity God gives you to share His love.

God is going to put someone in your family's path today that has a need that needs to be met. You or your kids can meet that need. It might be a friend who needs you to share a word of encouragement. It might be a child who needs to hear that God loves them. It might be a homeless person who needs you to buy them a meal. Look for the opportunities to "go" that God gives you today. Then jump in and "go."