When I was growing up, there was a catchy pop tune that expressed frustration over the many signs in our world telling us what we could and couldn’t do. Today, those signs have been joined by voices—a vast array of voices telling us how we should and should not live our lives.
We live in a society with a God complex. People feel superior to others. People believe that their wisdom excels that of others. And people believe that it is their obligation to tell others how to live. Most have no real authority in our lives; they simply seek to rule by instinct.
There was a time when my life was dominated by what other people thought, but the day that I became a Christian marked the beginning of a new era. One Voice claimed the right to govern my life, and even my obedience to earthly authorities stems from my submission to Him.
Learning to hear the voice of God has not been an easy or flawless process. Nonetheless, it has led me to a sense of purpose like never before. That purpose stems not from the opinions of others, or even the stirrings of my own conscience, but rather from the throne of my Creator.
For much of my adult life, my purpose has been to help people know God and grow into mature Christian service. Almost everything I do in ministry is connected to that purpose. And though the voices of this world seem to grow louder with each passing day, His is the call that I will continue to obey.
This world overflows with needs, and our good God has both the desire and ability to meet them all—using people like you and me. As we bring our time of fasting and prayer to a close, we want to ask the Lord two simple questions: “What do You want me to do, and how do You want me to do it?”
The many problems in our world will not simply disappear because we humbled ourselves to fast and pray. We are, however, acting as agents of God’s kingdom to help bring heaven to earth. Action must be a part of the process, but that action should always be birthed from humility and prayer as we listen to and obey the voice of our Master.
Living with a God-given purpose will mark the difference between a fleeting existence on earth and a life that leaves a mark for decades to come.
Personal Reflection: What do You want me to do, Lord, and how do You want me to do it?
Prayer: Lord God, help me to hear Your voice, and please give me the wisdom and courage to act accordingly.
Bible Reading:
John 12:44-50
John 15:12-17
Galatians 1:6-10
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Bob Santos is the author of the Community Prayer Devotional and several other books oriented toward spiritual growth and Christian living.
