Blessed and Equipped

Blessed and Equipped by Pat Elliott and Montene Bryant

You can never be certain about the path your life's calling will take. God has bestowed upon each of us unique talents and, importantly, the fruit of the Spirit to fulfill our purpose. You are blessed and prepared to carry out the work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, remain steadfast and unwavering, consistently excelling in the work of the Lord (always giving your best and going beyond what is required), knowing that your efforts (even to the point of exhaustion) in the Lord are not in vain or wasted (they always have purpose). 1 Corinthians 15:58 Amp. God will provide what you need, so do not lose heart as you follow His path; you will be rewarded and blessed. If not on earth, then in heaven.

As Pat looked at the scripture above, she loved how God showed her an image of something she put on one morning. She put on a picture of an image of “Every morning when we wake up, we have 86,400 seconds, 1440 minutes, and twenty-four brand new hours to live. What a precious gift! Wake up and live like this moment is the most precious gift you’ve ever been given.” It is a most precious gift, and then I got the scripture, and they fit together. But a particular phase got my attention (it is never without purpose). So then I read 1 Corinthians 15:58 is a huge statement.

Emphasizing.

Be steadfast,

Immovable,

Always excelling,

Always doing your best,

Doing more than is needed,

Being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile, it has purpose.

(Google: fu’tile/’fyoodl/; adjective; incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.)

With that explained, it makes you realize your work is unto the Lord, and nothing you do, no matter how small, is ever pointless and without purpose. So that smallest detail in an 86,400-second day matters, every second counts, and you either plant a seed or water. I love the way Paul said it, “ What then is Apollos? And what is Paul?  Just servants through whom you believed in Christ, even as the Lord appointed to each his task. I planted, Apollos watered, but God all the while was causing the growth. So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but only God who causes the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3: 5-7 AMP

Understand that your efforts are not in vain when it comes to the Lord. There is a purpose,

86,400 seconds, 1440 minutes a day is a gift from God

even if your role is just to water. Seeds require watering; not everyone plants, some simply water. We are all servants assigned to our tasks. All these elements—the gifts, achievements, abilities, and empowerment—are brought about by the same Holy Spirit, who distributes to each individual as He chooses. Thus, God has appointed and placed within the church for His purposes: first apostles (chosen by Christ), second prophets (those who predict the future and deliver new messages from God to the people), third teachers, then those who perform miracles, followed by those with healing gifts, helpers, administrators, and those who speak in various kinds of unknown tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:11,28 Amp

Read the whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 together a more detailed explanation of your part. WE are all gifted by the Holy Spirit for our purpose. I hope this encourages you to be present in the seconds of your day, for you are blessed and equipped for the day, every day.

We must also remember that as we step out in the call, you will be equipped according to John 14:26, where it says, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you." The Holy Spirit will guide you. The Holy Spirit is not an "it" or a "something." He is a part of the Trinity. We are fortunate to have Him here on earth to lead us. As you begin this new week, ask the Lord to continue revealing your purpose to you. Embrace all that He has called you to be, and never doubt the Lord's work in your life.