“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – John 20:21
Understanding Our Calling
In our spiritual lives, we recognize that being sent is a vital part of our faith journey. God calls each of us with a distinct purpose and mission. It is not merely a matter of following rules or traditions; it is about living out our calling. We are reminded that being sent means we must embrace the responsibilities that come with it. Jesus, in His ministry, exemplified this by sending us out to share His love and teachings. Each of us is called to reflect that love and purpose in our daily lives. We must trust that He equips us with the necessary skills and courage to fulfill our calling, no matter how big or small it might seem. We are empowered to take steps in faith, knowing that we are sent forth as His ambassadors in the world.
John 20:21
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – John 20:21
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Luke 10:3
“Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” – Luke 10:3
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” – Mark 16:15
Acts 13:47
“For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'” – Acts 13:47
Being Sent with Purpose
Being sent by God brings with it great significance. We each have a role to play in the larger story of God’s kingdom. Each mission we embark upon is rooted in a greater purpose. Whether it’s sharing the gospel with friends, helping someone in need, or standing up for what’s right, we must remember that our actions reflect our faith and our understanding of God’s purpose in our lives. Embracing our God-given purpose is crucial as we recognize that we are not here by accident; we have been assigned important roles. Let’s support each other in discerning our purposes and how best to fulfill them as part of the mission He has entrusted to us.
John 17:18
“As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” – John 17:18
Isaiah 6:8
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!'” – Isaiah 6:8
Romans 10:15
“And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'” – Romans 10:15
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Matthew 9:38
“Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Matthew 9:38
Our Response to Being Sent
When God sends us out, our response matters significantly. We cannot take His calling lightly; our willingness to act is essential. Responding positively to His call means stepping out of our comfort zones, embracing new experiences, and faithfully acting on His guidance. Often, it requires courage and trust, but we can lean on God to provide the strength we need. As we reflect on our individual and collective responses to being sent, we understand that every small act of faith contributes to a more significant mission in His kingdom. We are called to encourage one another when doubts arise and to celebrate the challenges each of us faces as we serve Him.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” – Ephesians 4:11-12
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Philippians 3:14
“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10
The Power of Being Sent
When we are sent by God, we are infused with a tremendous amount of power. This is not just any power but a divine influence that allows us to make lasting impacts in the lives of others. As we go forth sharing His word and demonstrating His love, we activate that power which can transform circumstances and hearts. Each mission becomes an opportunity for us to showcase the truth of the gospel. Our faith can inspire change, hope, and healing. Therefore, we must recognize in ourselves the incredible potential that comes from being sent as representatives of Christ. By relying on this power, we stand encouraged to make a difference, big or small, in the world around us.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
1 Corinthians 1:27
“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” – 1 Corinthians 1:27
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
John 14:12
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” – John 14:12
Being Sent into Difficult Places
Being sent can sometimes mean venturing into uncomfortable or challenging situations. God calls us to places where we might feel vulnerable, stressed, or uncertain, but this is where our faith truly shines. We will face challenges that require reliance on God’s strength and wisdom. Sometimes people will not understand our mission or will not support us; nevertheless, we must remain faithful and steadfast to our calling. In these difficult circumstances, we learn resilience and develop a deeper relationship with God. We must encourage one another to persevere and trust that God is with us wherever we go, preparing a path even in tough moments. Through struggle, we grow stronger in our faith and commitment to be sent.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Fostering Relationships through Being Sent
As we accept being sent, we open doors for meaningful relationships. Our connections with others, whether they be fellow believers or those who are seeking, are enriched through our shared experiences. God’s call to be sent is not just about individual missions; it’s about fostering community, love, support, and encouragement among one another. When we work together, we bear witness to God’s grace and mercy while effectively fulfilling our mission. By forming connections, our mission takes shape and becomes an integral part of our community. Let’s prioritize the relationships we build while being sent as they hold the potential to change lives, including our own.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Final Thoughts
Being sent is a profound and meaningful experience in our faith. We are reminded that each of us has a unique purpose and calling, and fulfilling it brings us closer to God and to one another. As we step into roles as ambassadors of Christ, we find strength, courage, and support in our community. Although challenges may arise, we can be assured that we are empowered by God to overcome them. Let’s remember the importance of nurturing relationships, as we serve to encourage each other in our journey. Each act of faith can impact those we encounter, making our mission worthwhile. May we boldly embrace God’s call and take steps forward in faith.
If you want to explore more topics to read, consider delving into Bible verses about God choosing us or check out Bible verses about being on fire for God.