Your Mission

In our current Sabbath School Lesson (4th quarter, 2004), we are studying about Christian Service; Your place
in God’s plan. God has a mission for each Christian, both within the church and outside the church to the world. Our mission may not be full-time missionary work, but there is work to do. There is a world to warn. “God expects personal service from everyone to whom He has entrusted a knowledge of the truth for this time. Not all can go as missionaries to foreign lands, but all can be home missionaries in their families and neighbourhoods.” 9T 30.

We are living in a very solemn time in this earth’s history and most of the world is focused on the problems of this earth – problems of dealing with terrorism, while attempting to bring peace on earth. The focus has been taken away from God. Mankind is forgetting that God is in ultimate control of affairs on this earth. Jesus is coming soon, but very few are making earnest preparation to meet Him. He will come as a thief in the night to the majority of the world. He will come as a surprise also to the majority of the Christian world, and even some people in God’s church will be caught unaware. It is time for us to all wake up and take seriously the events recorded in Revelation. They are fulfilling before our very eyes. “Every day there is something to do for our Lord and Master. Every day we are to point souls to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.” 9T 48

Yet, as we are looking to eternity, every decision in our present lives must be in accordance with heavenly principles.
“God has revealed what is to take place in the last days, that His people may be prepared to stand against the tempest of opposition and wrath. Those who have been warned of the events before them are not to sit in calm expectation of the coming storm, comforting themselves that the Lord will shelter His faithful ones in the day of trouble. We are to be as men waiting for their Lord, not in idle expectancy, but in earnest work, with unwavering faith. It is no time now to allow our minds to be engrossed with things of minor importance. While men are sleeping, Satan is actively arranging matters so that the Lord’s people may not have mercy or justice. The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the undercurrent is tending. Its professions are mild and apparently Christian, but when it shall speak it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. It is our duty to do all in our power to avert the threatened danger. We should endeavour to disarm prejudice by placing ourselves in a proper light before the people. We should bring before them the real question at issue, thus interposing the most effectual protest against measures to restrict liberty of conscience. We should search the Scriptures and be able to give the reason for our faith. Says the prophet: ‘The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.’” 5T 452. These words were written over 100 years ago.

How much more earnest do we need to be today? Much more so, or we will be found as the foolish virgins with no oil in our lamps.

“To every man is given his work–not merely work in his fields of corn and wheat, but earnest, persevering work for the salvation of souls. Every stone in God’s temple must be a living stone, a stone that shines, reflecting light to the world. Let the laymen do all that they can; and as they use the talents they already have, God will give them more grace and increased ability. Many of our missionary enterprises are crippled because there are so many who refuse to enter the doors of usefulness that are opened before them. Let all who believe the truth begin to work. Do the work that lies nearest you; do anything, however humble, rather than be, like the men of Meroz, do-nothings.” 8T 246

“Arise, shine: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen up on thee.” Isaiah 60:1. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Isaiah 58:1.

“The essential lesson of contented industry in the necessary duties of life is yet to be learned by many of Christ’s followers. It requires more grace, more stern discipline of character, to work for God in the capacity of mechanic, merchant, lawyer, or farmer, carrying the precepts of Christianity into the ordinary business of life, than to labour as an acknowledged missionary in the open field. It requires a strong spiritual nerve to bring religion into the workshop and the business office, sanctifying the details of everyday life, and ordering every transaction according to the standard of God’s word. But this is what the Lord requires.” CT 279

“To every one who becomes a partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot and place, saying, ‘Here I am; send me.’ Upon the minister of the word, the missionary nurse, the Christian physician, the individual Christian, whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic, – the responsibility rests upon all. It is our work to reveal to men the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which we engage should be a means to this end.” MH 148.

WOMAN’S MISSION

A woman at home is doing a great missionary work. Her faithful work has a great influence on shaping the future of her children, which in turn has a great influence on society.

“God has assigned woman her mission; and if she, in her humble way, yet to the best of her ability, makes a heaven of her home, faithfully and lovingly performing her duties to her husband and children, continually seeking to let a holy light shine from her useful, pure, and virtuous life to brighten all around her, she is doing the work left her of the Master, and will hear from His divine lips the words: Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. These women who are doing with ready willingness what their hands find to do, with cheerfulness of spirit aiding their husbands to bear their burdens, and training their children for God, are missionaries in the highest sense. They are engaged in an important branch of the great work to be done on earth to prepare mortals for a higher life, and they will receive their reward.” 2T 466.

Young people sometimes are wondering what their mission in life is. What is it that God wants them to do? If they sit at home and just pray and wait, they may never get an answer. When young people ask me how they know what their mission and purpose in life is, I always tell them to get up and do something, anything, and pray. God will either open doors in front of you, or close doors, directing you in another direction, but something needs to be done.

MY MISSION

I want to share a little bit of my testimony at this point in time. My mission in life was to raise my children, which, by the grace of God I have been doing for the past 18 years. I have taken to heart this testimony revealed through Sister White, regarding the work of women, and have been doing my best to fulfil this mission. Since now my children are older, I began to wonder what my mission in life would be. I knew that my mission would be changing. Perhaps I should remain at home and begin to write. Maybe I should accompany my husband in his missionary work? Or maybe I should go out and find some employment to supplement his income? I began to pray.

As I prayed I decided to see if I could find employment. I tried many places, however since I had not been in the work force for 16 years, it was proving a difficult endeavour. I applied for many jobs, but was not hired. I had worked in different office jobs before my children were born, however that was many years ago and employers did not believe I was capable of working in such a job any longer after so many years.

The idea was put to me of returning to school to gain some education. I flatly denied that option. There was no way I would even let that thought enter my mind. As time went on, I still was not able to find employment. Then my mother and sister urged me to go apply for university. I thought about it for awhile and then decided to just explore that avenue to placate them, not believing I would ever follow through. I obtained the necessary information, and decided to send in an application – never believing I would be accepted. It had been 20 years since I graduated from high school. I applied for two different courses of study, nursing and teaching, and I prayed that the Lord would lead. I then also applied to TAFE, (Technical and Further Education) to study Assistant Nursing. Perhaps if I was not accepted into university, then I would be accepted into this course as the requirements were not as high and the work load was not as heavy. I wanted to place several doors before me and see which one, if any, the Lord would open. With the two applications in, I began to pray. I put it to the Lord, if I would be accepted into both, I would go to university, if the Lord did not want me in university, I prayed that my application would be rejected. If He didn’t want me in TAFE, either then He should reject this application also and then I would continue looking for work, unless given another door to walk through.

During the waiting time, I prayed and I began to fear also. It had been 20 years since I had any formal education, would my brain be capable of the load of study that would be required? I feared that it would not. I then began to pray that my university application would be rejected. I did not believe I would be able to maintain my spiritual life and have time for my university study at the same time. The TAFE acceptance letter came first – now just the university letter.
It came a few weeks later and as I opened it up I was shocked. I was accepted into the nursing program. Could I do it? I had two days to decide as I had to go and enrol in two days time. Now I really prayed hard. I could not imagine how I would manage. The day came and I went to ride the train (which was a 50 min. ride) and I took my Prophets and Kings to read on the train. It so happened that I turned to read from the chapter about Isaiah’s ministry entitled, “Behold Your God.” As I was reading the chapter, there was quoted from the Bible these verses, on page 316. “
‘Fear thou not,’ He bids them; ‘for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.’ ‘I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye man of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.’ Isaiah 41:10, 13, 14.”

This was God speaking to me. At that instant, I knew I was doing God’s will and He, right then and there, told me not to be afraid because He would help me. I felt His presence with me. I went forward confidently with the enrolment that day.

My studies began one month later. Did my spiritual life decline? No, in fact I have more time to study now than I did before. I do my spiritual reading while riding the trains. How many people take 1.5 hours to read their Bible’s during the day? I have a note book with me to take notes. Articles and studies are prepared on the trains.

Coming to the end of my first semester, I began to feel a little anxious with exams approaching. Then it was that the Lord directed me to Hebrews 13:5,6. “he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper,” Yes, why of course, the Lord had promised to be with me. I had no reason to be anxious or afraid.

The Lord has since also led me to part-time employment, through a nursing agency without me even looking, (and this is another story in itself), I just didn’t say ‘no’ when God opened the doors.

I still have just over two years of study to go, however the Lord has been leading me. It may not be for everyone to attend university. All have their mission in life and wherever we are, we are called to spread the light of the truth. The Lord has people He wants me to minister to, and keeping His will in the forefront of my mind, keeps me going. We are in this world, not to please ourselves, but to seek to save the lost.

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Romans 13: 11, 12.

Are you unsure of your mission in life? Ask God, He will lead you. There are souls to save in every corner of this world. Which corner does God what you to go to?

“God’s way is the always the right and prudent way. He always brings honour to His name. Man’s only security against rash, ambitious movements is to keep the heart in harmony with Christ Jesus.” 8T 106.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5

Time is short, and we are repeatedly told that medical missionary work is of utmost importance towards the end of this earth’s history. Often when there seems to be no opening for the gospel to be received, medical missionary work is the entering wedge.

“The medical missionary work is to be to the work of the church as the right arm to the body. The third angel goes forth proclaiming the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The medical missionary work is the gospel in practice.” 8T 77

“We would that there were strong young men, rooted and grounded in the faith, who had such a living connection with God that they could, if so counselled by our leading brethren, enter the higher colleges in our land, where they would have a wider field for study and observation. Association with different classes of minds, an acquaintance with the workings and results of popular methods of education…would be of great value to such workers, preparing them to labor for the educated classes and to meet the prevailing errors of our time. Such was the method pursued by the ancient Waldenses; and, if true to God, our youth, like theirs, might do a good work, even while gaining their education, in sowing the seeds of truth in other minds.” 5T 583

“Resolve, not in your own strength, but in the strength and grace given of God, that you will consecrate to Him now, just now, every power, every ability. You will then follow Jesus because He bids you, and you will not ask where, or what reward will be given. It will be well with you as you obey the word: ‘Follow Me.’ Your part is to lead others to the light by judicious, faithful efforts. Under the guardianship of the divine Leader, will to do, resolve to act, without a moment’s hesitation.” 8T 55

“When you die to self, when you surrender to God, to do His work, to let the light that He has given you shine forth in good works, you will not labor alone. God’s grace stands forth to co-operate with every effort to enlighten the ignorant and those who do not know that the end of all things is at hand. But God will not do your work. Light may shine in abundance, but the grace given will convert your soul only as it arouses you to co-operate with divine agencies. You are called upon to put on the Christian armour and enter the Lord’s service as active soldiers. Divine power is to co-operate with human effort to break the spell of worldly enchantment that the enemy has cast upon souls.” 8T 56

We are God’s stewards. He has entrusted the truth to us. What will we do with it? Will we keep it to ourselves as did the Jews in Ancient Israel? Or will we be faithful stewards, distributing it to souls longing to hear the truth. There has never been a more important time in the history of the world than there is right now. While you may be faithfully performing your mission, be prepared for the Lord to change it at any time. Be willing to step through the doors He opens.

What is your mission? If you are not sure yet, keep praying and do something for the Lord. We all have talents so don’t bury your talent, but may God help each of you to fulfill your mission faithfully, because Jesus is coming soon. I pray that we will all be ready.
AMEN

Wendy Eaton, Australia