Megan Evans, Women’s Ministry Director, LHBC
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Did you know that when God calls you to serve Him, He equips you to do the kind of work He is calling you to do?  As a result of Christ’s death and resurrection, God’s power is at work in all believers making us more like Jesus and preparing us to serve Him in ways that bring Him glory. Whether you are an old pro, or trying something new for the very first time, God will equip you with His strength. He continuously grows tools and skills in us and connects all of the dots in His perfect sovereignty.  

When you feel that tug of the Holy Spirit at your heart, you can prayerfully say yes!  I love how verse 21 refers to the God of peace who is doing the equipping because it can be scary, even terrifying sometimes, to step out of comfort and push into that risky area that requires faith and boldness. We’ve all had moments where we wanted to say yes, wanted to sign up, or wanted to speak up.  But perhaps you’ve found yourself with a head full of doubt.

In the midst of self-doubt, we can feel underqualified.  “I don’t know anything about working with kids,” “I’ve never been on a mission trip,” “I can’t get up in front of people…” the list goes on and on.  Yet, our Great Shepherd extends His hand for us to follow Him into the world to be His hands and feet to those around us. What a blessing and a privilege to be called out of the safety of the sheep pen to graze in pastures full of opportunities to bear Christ’s witness, encourage or lead others, and to serve and bring glory to God.  Jesus leads us with peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

When we say yes to serving God, the next step is getting out of the way.  If we truly submit to following Jesus as the Great Shepherd, then we have to let Him lead. Sheep don’t lead the Shepherd.  Our steps follow His. His way becomes our way.

It can be tempting to focus on our productivity or the evidence and result of our labor, but part of saying yes to God is also trusting Him with the outcome. We can’t lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).  God labors in hearts and His Holy Spirit is continuously and actively at work in ways that we can’t see. God always accomplishes His will, and because God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present, we can rest assured that we can’t mess up His perfect will.  Jesus teaches us to pray, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).  

What is God calling you to today?  Will you start a gospel conversation?  Will you teach the next generation the Word of God? Will you go on that mission trip this year? Yeah, you’re ready.  How will you answer “yes” to God today?

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, teach me how to be your hands and feet. Show me where I can serve you and take your love and gospel message to the world around me.  Keep working in me that I may be pleasing in your sight. Calm my anxiety and fears of all the what-ifs that come with saying yes to where you are calling me.  Equip me and give me peace. You are my Shepherd, Jesus. Show me the next step to take to keep me following your steps rather than my own. May your will be done today.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
Psalm 135:13 (NLT)
Your name, O Lord, endures forever;
your fame, O Lord, is known to every generation.