HEBREWS 13:20-21

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

TO PONDER

I can't help but wonder in light of this verse, that we might sometimes feel like we have trouble seeing God at work in the world because we, his people, are not busy doing his will.

Maybe it's because we don't feel equipped, but that's silly because Jesus promised his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them and that then they would be his witnesses in all the world. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you have all that you need, his Spirit and his Word.

I'm not suggesting that everyone pack up their lives and take up a monastic life secluded in a monastery or nunnery, or that we all have to enter full time ministry in the church. However, I wonder how often, during your busy work day you consider how you are living out God's will in your life? Maybe you have retired and work life is behind you? How do you spend your time doing God's will? Perhaps you are a stay at home parent - how do you do God's will and show his love to your family? Whatever context God has placed us in, he has given us a way to serve him and his will in that context. We are his hands and feet in the places he has placed us to do his work in the world and he has given us everything we need to do just that.

PRAYER

God, you know that life gets busy and demands are placed on us from many directions. Help me to remember that the most important role I have among all the things that I have to do, is to live my life in a way that brings glory to you and that helps others encounter your love and grace. Help that, to always be my priority and focus in all things. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle