“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives…To comfort all who mourn… to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…”—Isaiah 61:1-3, Luke 4:18-19
When Jesus stood in the synagogue in Nazareth and read Isaiah’s words, He defined His ministry and mission: compassion for the poor, the brokenhearted, the imprisoned, the desperate, and the hurting.
The Promised Land is that longed for place God’s children fought to possess, where, ideally, compassion reigns.
After crossing the River Jordan, the Israelites entered the Promised Land—then what?
Crossing the Jordan and Promised Land are often euphemisms for dying and going to heaven. But what happened when the Israelites crossed the Jordan?
Not peace and rest. They began a life of warfare and claiming the promised territory. It was hardly paradise.
What is your promised land?
Your promised land is where your love and pain cross paths and stir your heart.
What draws your interest and rolls around in your mind because you can’t forget it?
What breaks your heart, makes you cry for joy or sorrow, and gives you a burden and longing for relief?
What needs do you see in the world that you long to fulfill? What problems do you need to solve?
How can your time and talents bless others in the name of Jesus?
Your promised land is your sphere of influence. It can be where you represent the Kingdom of God without even realizing it!
What is your passion? Where do you work, go to school, or do business? What activities, hobbies, community, neighborhood, or church activities motivate you to demonstrate God’s love? Are you involved in a company or organization that helps people outside the umbrella of your church?
I know some of you are out there serving unrecognized, with little help. I want to encourage you and pray that you will be blessed!
“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).
God gave you the gift of life and specific gifts to be used for His kingdom. He has placed you in specific places and areas of influence for a purpose.
Begin praying today to discover your promised land and your mission in life.
The work of the Lord is not confined to church.
It is an ongoing, everyday work that needs to march out of the pews into the world, armed with passion and a purpose to take the love of God wherever He leads us.
