But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?" He answered, "I will be with you.” Exodus 3:11-12
What is my assignment from God? This is a question that many resonate with because God has given each one of us a direct assignment. After Jesus had risen from the dead, and spent 40 days walking with his disciples, He gave them disciples an amazing assignment. The disciples were given a direct assignment from Jesus to go and to “make disciples of all nations.” How were they to go about accomplishing this assignment? By “teaching them to obey everything” Jesus had taught them. This assignment is known today as the great commission. Why did Jesus give them this assignment?
It is in the Father’s heart for His children to partner with Him. In the beginning, Adam co-laboured with God in stewarding the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). This assignment was given so that Adam could discover God’s heart and love for the earth. Today, in the same way, God gives His children unique assignments to carry out so that they can release the love of God on the earth.
God has a job for each of us and He’ll help us do it.
That’s the message I take from Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12 in which God both commissions Moses to free Israel from Pharaoh and promises to be with him as he does it. Would he do anything less for us?
This passage seems particularly pertinent to retirees because they get to make choices now which were impossible when they were raising kids, coping with their jobs or both. But in retirement, it may seem that God has run out of assignments for us. He hasn’t and I’m pretty sure they don’t include binge watching “Friends” or any other series on Netflix or Amazon.
I’ve always believed that the key to feeling that I’ve spent my day well is to help others so it’s important to listen to God calling us in in new ways. You’ll find the invitations everywhere, especially church bulletins.
Respond even if you’re not sure what you’re getting into.
One day I spent two hours at a food pantry putting two loaves of bread in baskets while listening to conversations about getting clean and/or going straight. Being badly over-educated, I learned things that no University ever taught me.
I’m also noticing that God assigns me to help people I’ve known for years like a dear friend with dementia. I enjoy taking her shopping and for other little treats as and when she requires. While it’s painful to watch the decline of a brilliant person, I can’t think of a more rewarding way to spend a morning.
As I drive away, I often think of Mother Teresa saying that loneliness is the greatest poverty. Something as simple as taking a friend out of her house for coffee feels like a great way of fighting this form of poverty. And I know God is with us.
God gives us assignments to steward His divine purpose for our life. Sometimes, His assignments make no sense to us at first (think of Noah), but we must obey them. Today, know this - God has called you and has a plan for your life. The Lord has assigned an amazing purpose for you. It can only be unlocked through your response to His assignments and developed over the course of your own spiritual life. One thing is certain, His assignments are meant to fulfill the words of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
So, listen for your assignments and be grateful because however humble your task, God is with you.
Sources
1. The Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren
2. Where is God in a Messed-up World - Roger Carswell
5. Purpose, Position Assigned by God! - Geronetta Kirkland Fogleman
6. Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table - Louie Giglio
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