Watching videos of people walking the streets of New York, it is amazing to see the fast pace at which people are moving forward. No one is moving backwards, and their goal is clear, having to get to their destinations on time to fulfil their daily duties.
In our busy lives we are constantly on the move. The question is, are we moving in the right direction and are we doing what we are supposed to be doing? When we move, there is action involve, meaning that we regularly must take some steps in our lives, involving decisions on the way forward. Many times, we tend to get stuck, not knowing what we are supposed to be doing with our lives and how we need to get there.
In John 15:16 Jesus Himself says: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in My name the Father will give you.” What stands out here is that Jesus Himself is telling us that:
- We have an appointment/position. Jesus Himself, chose us and appointed us. Therefore, we have a Manager, Mentor, Coach and Guide. In the same chapter, Jesus said that if we do as He commands, we are His friends. So not only do we have the best Manager and Coach in life, He is also our Friend. Hence, when we remain in Him and He in us, we will never lack direction and we will ALWAYS know what to do, when to do it and how to do it. With the Holy Spirit in us, we will never be alone in this appointment/position (Joshua 1:5).
- We have a goal. Jesus said that our goal is to go and bear fruit. This involve action as it says GO! It means that we need to move forward to execute this goal.
- We have an action plan. When we look at a basic management plan, it includes having a manager, someone appointed to do the job, a goal and an action plan in order to reach the goal. Again, with reference to John 15:16, it says to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. Here the instruction from Jesus in Matthew 28:19 – 20 also applies: “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.” The action plan is very clear and involves going, making and teaching, using the Bible as our Policy and Instruction Manual. Teaching the right things from the right Source and being in the Holy Spirit will result in fruit that will last (John 15:16).
If we are lost and floating in the air, not knowing what to do with our lives, we need to go back to Jesus and the Word of God, our Source of direction. We need to take on our assignments and teach people the gospel of Jesus, helping them to work through a process of forgiveness, release and healing, so that they too, can move forward in life. Now, you might say that you don’t know how to do this, but even the activity plan on how to do it, is in the Word of God. Therefore, it is critical to know and apply the Word of God. Furthermore, everyone in Christ, also has His characteristics and therefore we can all plan, be creative, motivate, speak in front of people, pray for people etc. (Philippians 4:13). You just need to believe it and take up your appointment, knowing that the authority of Christ is in You (Luke 10:19). Remember, as you execute the action plan and various assignments from God, you too, are in the plan, hence also moving forward.
Whilst executing the action plan, we go through various stages/processes and sometimes it means that we are standing still. This does not mean that we are doing nothing, as in fact we are waiting on the Lord’s direction on the next path to take. Do not get impatient, be silent in the waiting and hear with your heart what God is expecting from you. Other times, it involves climbing high mountains and involves falling, scratching and even feeling like giving up. Keep going, for then you will reach the top where the view and reward (bearing fruit) is indescribable.
Be motivated by this today. In Christ, you have everything needed to move forward in life. You just need to choose, realise and live it.
Love in Christ, Princess K