Oakwood just announced a new, year-long movement for the entire church. In response to 1 Timothy 6:20, we’re focusing on how God has Entrusted each of us with the gospel. What does that mean? Watch this message for a bit of direction. In my journey so far, I’ve found a common, critical solution.
Pray
Seek God’s heart (Matthew 7:7). How is He entrusting us/you/me with the gospel? Asking Him this question can feel daunting. At least, that’s how I felt.
Really, me? I’m being entrusted? I’m not qualified! What if I don’t like the answer? What’s feasible for me to add to my list right now?
I knew prayer would help, but I wasn’t even sure what to pray. So, I started with something like this:
Lord, I don’t know what this means for me, but I know You created me for this. How do You want to entrust me with the gospel, Lord? I’m here for it. I’m here for You. Show me how You want me to serve You and give me humility to follow how You’re prompting me. Amen.
Pray and Listen
Being on staff, I’ve had the advantage of starting my Entrusted journey early. After praying a few different times, asking Him different questions in different ways, I’ve heard a few of His whispers:
- Stop spending time where you’re comfortable. Meet new people.
- Find people who don’t know Me. That’s the point.
- It doesn’t have to be big to make an impact.
- Make it work, Sarah. It’s what I’m asking you to do and that comes first.
Pray and Watch
God does amazing things – big and small. I wasn’t sure how He’d answer my prayer or how I’d find a solution to His promptings, but then my son brought home from school information about two organizations that tugged at my heart. It was as simple as that – a few pieces of paper. I was instantly energized and I knew in that moment, “This is it! This is where He may want me!”
Pray and Ask
I got nervous even thinking about sending emails inquiring for more information. I said a quick prayer, typed a message and hit send because I knew my human hesitations would stop me from taking the first step in answering His call. One organization responded right away and I have a meeting scheduled. I haven’t yet heard from the other organization and, while I’m hoping I hear soon, I also know God has me on a journey and He’ll work it out in His timing.
Your journey will look different. A piece of paper may not simply land in your hands. Or you may pray and hear the answer right away! Your promptings may not be clear. Or maybe your promptings are super clear but it’s hard to take that first step. Can I share some advice from my journey so far?
Just Pray
Start there. Pray. Share with Oakwood staff how God’s prompting you to share the gospel and maybe we can help. If you want to serve in your community but you don’t know where to start, let us know and we’ll connect you with a Community Partner who’d love your help. Want information on discipling your children? We’ll loan you excellent resources from our library. Maybe you want to go on a mission trip. Great! We’ll point you in the right direction.
What does the start of your Entrusted journey look like? Share in the comments below. By sharing the humble start of my journey, I hope you are encouraged. I’m no expert. I’m the worst sinner (1 Timothy 1:16). But I know God designed us each beautifully unique and qualified (Genesis 1:27), and I’m so excited to see what He will do through each of us!
