Week 4
When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him by the sea. One of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, and begged him, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made healthy, and live.”
He went with him, and a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him on all sides. —Mark 5:21–24
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.’” —Matt. 7:21–23
God has placed a calling on your life that touches every role you hold—parent, employee, friend, student, caregiver. Often, your divine calling is intertwined with these everyday roles.
They may seem small, but Jesus said that those who are faithful in little things will be entrusted with more (Luke 16:10). Be faithful in what God has given you now; surrender yourself to him there. This faithfulness, even in the small, is your training ground for living a full and meaningful life in him.
Even so, guard your heart. The Matthew passage warns about performing religious duties without a genuine relationship with Jesus. The call to serve comes from our connection with him—not merely for him.
Let him be the one to determine where and how you serve. Your part is to say yes—and to listen daily.
Reflection Questions
Do you see any evidence that God is leading you in a new direction in your current roles?
Lord, what are you teaching me in today’s reading?
Lord, what else have you said to me through thoughts, circumstances, conversations, emotions, or the work of the enemy?
Lord, what do you want me to do: At home? At work? In ministry?