From Follower to Messenger
My husband and I just returned from a beautiful trip to Hilton Head, SC. We enjoyed 4 days away to meet new friends, relax, talk, walk, pray, admire the beauty of God’s blessings and I had the humbling yet refining privilege of sharing my personal testimony with several women’s groups through out this Island region.
The testimony I share is NOT about me or my husband Dave or the things that occurred in my life. It is about Jesus, His Story, His Work, His Saving Grace, His Love working in me to share with others so that they might learn about our Lavish and Loving God who will pursue us to no ends of this world.
As I peddled a borrowed bike along the ocean shore I marveled at the beauty of the ocean, the sounds of the waves and birds singing in perfect orchestration to all the God of this universe has created. I was awakened by the realization that there is nothing in this world that can stop a wave or sunset.
God holds the key to every day and each moment we experience through the nature He nutures.
- To nourish; feed.
- To educate; train.
- To help grow or develop; cultivate: nurture a student’s talent.
As I reflect on the 4 days of excitement, growth, enthusiasm I am convicted by discovering that for most of my life I have lived as a “learner,” receiving information about religion and God. Attempting to do what was right and following God’s Path for my new life in HIM. Today as I was reading the Bible the Lord really placed a new vision upon my heart. I DESIRE to BE AN APOSTLE.
Each of the 12 chosen Disciples became Apostles.
Disciple from Latin discipulus, means = pupil–student–learner–follower.
Apostle from Late Latin apostolus, from Greek apostolos, messenger, from apostellein, to send off : apo-, apo- + stellein,
to send.
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
The Disciples were learners of Jesus teachings, students of the Magnificent Rabbi. Once Jesus died and the disciples were on their own it was time to put what they learned and lived into action. During Christ’s life on earth they were taught the Great Commission: “ To make disciples of every nation.” The Apostles as the term defines were the “messengers or missionaries” of the Gospel Message.
These men now as described in Acts 1:26 had been given the special assignment of spreading the Good News of Jesus death, resurrection and gift of eternal salvation.
Acts 1:24-27 (Amplified Bible)
“And they prayed and said, You, Lord, Who know all hearts (their thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, purposes, and endeavors), indicate to us which one of these two You have chosen,…… To take the place in this ministry and receive the position of an apostle,…”
My heart is infused with the Hope of Jesus to be His Messenger.
Sure there will be days when I mess up and fall short.
God knows our hearts and my prayer is that no matter what I might fail at in my human strength my heart is for HIM and the Salvation Message. No matter how small or large a messenger He nutures, no difference how big or wide the territory HE plans for me…I will go. I will share what Jesus has done for me with anyone with ears and with all the enthusiasm He fuels me with!
Praying HE fuels you too!
~Lisa~
Glad you and Dave had such a good time. Hilton Head is an inspiring place. Keep listening and keep writing!