(Acts 17:26 NIV)
They are questions basic to all of us and ones I asked God: Why I am here? Why was I born into my particular family? Why am I here at this time?
You see, you had nothing to do with it. God did not ask your opinion when He planned you and made you. It was all up to Him. Why were you not born in the days of Abraham, Moses, David, or even Jesus? Why were you not born in the fifteenth, sixteenth, or seventeenth century? Why did God put you in this last generation before Jesus returns?
I believe that when God created the world, He saw a time period in which sin would abound as never before, a time when great calamities would come upon the earth. He foresaw a time when the greatest deception would come to try the people of God, a time when gross darkness would overtake many and their love would wax cold. (Matt. 24:12.)
In the midst of seeing all this, I believe God said to Himself, I am going to raise up a people who will not compromise My Word—a people with My Spirit, anointing, and joy to go forth in those days and usher in the greatest move of My Spirit that the world has ever seen. I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh and raise up a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle. (Eph. 5:27.)
When God determined these things, He said it would be a “special” people to live in these days; and in His mind, He saw you. He saw you and put you into place for a divine purpose.
No matter what position you hold, you are there to produce for the Kingdom of God and bring the lost into the saving knowledge of Jesus. We must realize that we were called before we were born into our families, before we knew our spouses or anyone else who is in our lives. And we will, at the Judgment, give account to God for what we did with that purpose and calling.
Determine to live in such a way that when your time comes to give account, you can answer with confidence and know that you did all that God had for you to do.
- What are your thoughts as you meditate on the text verse, Acts 17:26? When you think about your service to your leader in light of this verse, are there any changes that you need to make in your attitude or actions?
- When you really think about the fact that God placed you into your present family during this time in history, does it change the way you view your life? Does it affect how you see and relate to your family members?
- What contribution are you making into the lives of your leader, associates, friends, and family members? What is your God-appointed role in their lives? What blessing does He want to give them through you?
Father, I take my role in life seriously. I realize that there are certain things You want to do through me in the lives of my leader, associates, family, and loved ones. Reveal those things to me and show me how to accomplish them. You are the Potter and I’m the clay. Perform Your Kingdom work through me. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
Terry is the Founder and President of Focus on the Harvest, Inc. He's traveled extensively, awakening believers to this strategic generation. Through his God-given passion, believers are ignited to discover their gifts and callings, commit to the vision of their local church, and focus on the harvest of souls throughout their city, state, nation, and world.
Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwestern University, where he met his wife, Kim. They've been married for over 40 years and have three children; McCall, Alex, and McKenna.
In May 2008, Terry and Kim began Impact Church, a dynamic and growing, multicultural body of believers in Sherwood, AR. We believe that Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship. God loves each person individually. He desires everyone to know him personally.