Appointed and Sent: Answering the Call in Urgent Times

There is a pressing need for people to step up and make a difference. The time is now for you and I to stand up for our faith. The time is now to go into the world and tell folks about Jesus. But what does that look like from a spiritual perspective? How can we, as individuals, impact our communities and the world around us?

The truth is, we're living in urgent times. This isn't a moment for half-hearted commitments or sitting on the sidelines. It's a time for bold action, guided by faith and a deep understanding of our purpose.

Each of us has been appointed for such a time as this. We're not here by accident. God has strategically placed us in our current circumstances, in our specific cities and communities, for a reason. The question is: are we ready to answer the call?

Consider the story of Daniel, a man who faced seemingly insurmountable odds. In a foreign land, under the rule of a king who demanded exclusive worship, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith. He didn't cower or compromise. Instead, he boldly opened his window and prayed to the one true God, three times a day, knowing full well the consequences he might face.

Daniel's courage led him to a den of lions, but God's protection prevailed. This story reminds us that when we step out in faith, even in the face of danger or opposition, God is with us. We have angelic protection, just as Daniel did. Psalm 91 assures us that God sends angels to watch over us.

But here's the thing: we can't wait until we feel completely ready or until circumstances are perfect. If we do, we'll miss countless opportunities to make a difference. God doesn't wait for us to have everything together before He calls us. He calls us as we are, cleansing us from the inside out, and sends us as His representatives.

Jesus himself demonstrated this when He appointed 70 disciples and sent them out. He didn't send them into fields of daisies and roses. No, He sent them as "lambs among wolves" (Luke 10:3). This wasn't meant to scare them, but to prepare them for the reality of their mission.

Importantly, Jesus sent them out in pairs. This teaches us a crucial lesson: we're not meant to walk this journey alone. The enemy wants to isolate us, to make us feel like we have to figure everything out by ourselves. But that's not God's plan. We're called to be part of a family, to support and encourage one another, to share our burdens and celebrate our victories together.

So what does this mean for us today? It means we need to open our eyes to the harvest around us. Jesus tells us in John 4 to look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. This isn't just about religious conversion; it's about meeting people where they are, showing them love, and pointing them towards hope.

We might feel inadequate or afraid. We might worry about what others will think or say. But remember, a failure in our eyes is not a failure in God's eyes. It's better to step out in faith and stumble than to never try at all. As D.L. Moody wisely responded when criticized for his evangelism methods, "I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it."

This call to action isn't just for a select few. If you've said yes to Jesus, you're a minister to some degree. You have a unique role to play in God's grand plan. It might not look like preaching from a pulpit. It might be as simple as being kind to a stranger, praying for a coworker, or volunteering in your community.

The prophet Jeremiah gives us clear instructions: "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare" (Jeremiah 29:7). We're called to be active participants in making our communities better, not just critics from the sidelines.

It's easy to get discouraged when we look at the state of the world. But instead of focusing on the negative, what if we saw these challenges as opportunities? What if we believed that we're on the brink of seeing the greatest move of God this world has ever witnessed?

Imagine a world where even those who seem furthest from God have a transformative encounter with His love. It might sound far-fetched, but with God, all things are possible. Our job is not to limit what God can do, but to be available and willing vessels for His work.

As we step into this calling, we need to remember a few key things:

1. Stay grounded in prayer and God's Worad. These are our sources of strength and guidance.

2. Be bold and confident in Christ. We have nothing to fear when we're walking in His will.

3. Support and encourage one another. We're stronger together.

4. Keep our eyes open for opportunities to make a difference, no matter how small they might seem.

5. Trust that God is working, even when we can't see it.

The time for action is now. We've been appointed and sent for this very moment in history. Let's not shrink back in fear or hesitation. Instead, let's step forward in faith, knowing that the One who calls us is faithful to equip us for the task at hand.

As we go about our daily lives, may we be ever mindful of the urgency of our calling. May we be quick to hear, quick to forgive, and quick to respond when Jesus speaks. And may we never forget that in serving others and sharing God's love, we're participating in something far greater than ourselves – we're playing a part in God's redemptive plan for the world.

The fields are ripe for harvest. The time is now. Will you answer the call?