Be the Hands and Feet of Jesus
Weekly Overview:
Our heavenly Father has made incredible promises to us, his children. And while our God is completely faithful to deliver on his promises, he does not force them on us. He’s promised his nearness, his affections, and an eternal life spent with him. But we have the power to choose our own way. He doesn’t force himself where there’s no space. God’s word won’t have power in our lives if we don’t read it. We won’t hear God effectively if we’re not listening. And we can’t experience his nearness if we constantly fill our lives with other things. So, this week we’re going to talk about different ways we can experience the promises of God so that they might come to full fruition in our lives. May you encounter God powerfully as you grow in fully experiencing the incredible promises of your heavenly Father.
Scripture:“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Devotional:
One of the best ways to experience the promises of God is to co-labor with him in his purposes of restoration. It’s incredible that God’s plan is to use us, his church, to see his kingdom come to earth. He’s commissioned us to spread the gospel. He’s chosen us to tell of the good news of restored relationship with our Creator.
Matthew 28:16-20 says, “Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Jesus shares with us the authority that’s been given to him. God’s made incredible promises to his people, and he wants us to join him in seeing his promises come to fruition.
We get to share with the world a message like Peter’s in Acts 2:38,“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,” and bring to fruition the promise of Jesus that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:16-17). How incredible! You have the opportunity to see God’s promise of salvation come to those around you through working with God!
You can also co-labor with God in his desire to meet the felt needs of those around you. God says in Deuteronomy 15:11, “There will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’” The church in Acts brought about God’s desire to meet needs. Acts 4:34-35 says, “There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” God longs to use you like he did his church in Acts. You get to work with God in seeing his longing to provide for people come to pass. You get to be the hands and feet of our Savior and co-labor with Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 says, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” As the child of God, you’ve been set apart for the works of your Father. You’ve been entrusted with the incredible “message of reconciliation.” There is no other work in life that will fill you with more joy and purpose than seeing God's promises fulfilled through your own hands. What an incredible God we have, that in all his power and wisdom he would choose to use us as his hands and feet. Your God loves you and empowers you for incredible works that will satisfy the desires of your heart and the needs of others. Spend time in his presence today being fueled by his love. Follow the leading of the Spirit as he shows you where he is working and what he would have you do to see his promises come to fruition through your life.
Guided Prayer:
1. Meditate on God’s desire to use you to bring about his message of reconciliation.
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
2. Ask the Spirit to show you where and how he would have you minister today. Who do you know that needs God’s love today? What can you do to see God's promises come to pass in the lives of others?
“There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.” Acts 4:34-35
3. Commit yourself to do what the Lord shows you. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to accomplish the works he’s set before you. Receive his presence and let God’s love fuel you toward all that he has in store for you.
God’s intention is not to burden you with the work he’s set before you. His intention is actually to lead you to a better and more fulfilling life. He knows that you will only be truly satisfied when you partner with him to see his kingdom come to earth. You are meant for good works. You are meant to co-labor with your heavenly Father. Any time you feel burdened, simply cast your cares on God. Ask him to share his heart with you. Minister from his anointing and not your own strength. May you find today a lifestyle of good works that leads you to joy, peace, and purpose in the Spirit.
Extended Reading: 2 Corinthians 5
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