I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. (Acts 2:17)
When a nation’s government sends out an ambassador, it sends her with the authority to speak on behalf of the country’s leadership. In many ways, she is her nation’s voice, relating what those she represents ask her to. They make certain she knows what message to share and that she receives all she needs to accomplish what they wish. Similarly, we are sent as ambassadors for Christ, representing His kingdom in all we do. The task might seem intimidating. But we’re not left on our own.
In Acts 2 we learn a new phase in the creation of the church was about to begin. The disciples’ heads had to be spinning. They’d just experienced the turmoil of Christ’s death, resurrection, and return to heaven. Now they had to figure out what was next. Likely they felt inadequate for the task ahead. Then God sent His Spirit, who filled them with vision and empowered them to lead. He gave them all necessary gifts. God would never assign them a task without giving them everything required to accomplish all He desired.
How encouraging to know that the same is true for us. We can be confident kingdom leaders, fearlessly moving forward. There is nothing we need God won’t provide—wisdom, guidance, power, or spiritual gifts. Through the Holy Spirit, we’re ready to lead.
Thank God for sending and equipping you to lead.
Diane Gardner lives in the San Francisco Bay area, where she is a writer and freelance editor; leads Bible studies; and enjoys reading, traveling, street fairs, and live theater.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.