Originally shared through TribeWriters
I recently felt an invitation from God to use my podcast – “Where did you see God?” – to focus on the concept of “healing”; from miraculous recoveries to unanswered prayers, and how we can see God in the midst. What I thought would be one episode turned into 50 deep conversations on what is typically a difficult topic.
Of all the scriptures that could have been used to close out the series, I was surprised when “The Great Commission” was what God brought to mind:
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
A resounding theme in the stories I heard was that Jesus is with us. This passage makes it clear that all authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to him, which is why we’re able to have stories of miraculous healing and transformation; Jesus still has authority and power today.
This passage illuminated another theme. While there were stories of miraculous recoveries, there were many where the healing they prayed for didn’t happen; even so, God showed himself as powerful and good. And as they told their stories, something beautiful happened: they were going into all the world and making disciples. Throughout the series, listeners from all over shared how a guest’s story inspired them and strengthened their faith.
In other words, by simply sharing the story God had given them, the guests were fulfilling The Great Commission.
You too can disciple others by simply sharing the story God is writing for you. “Making disciples” isn’t a matter of conveying information, but casting a vision and giving an example of what it means to follow Christ, even if imperfectly, even if through struggle. Afterall, when someone is in midst of the same imperfection and struggle, they can see your resolve to seek God and discover encouragement to do the same.
This can seem hard or frightening; the good news is, those final words are still true:
“Today I am with you always to the end of the age.”
Jesus is inviting us to follow Him no matter how broken we feel, no matter how hard things are. Jesus knows how to heal, and he knows how to heal in deeper ways than we may even realize we need. He’s inviting us to trust him, to follow him, and to be his ambassadors as we move forward.
He has given you a story, one that is still being written; your invitation is to simply share it with those He brings within earshot, and he will do the rest.
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Read more at www.wheredidyouseeGod.com/Writings
CodyArt RVA 