By Campus Missionary Mary Rowley
When I was a freshman in high school, I joined the cross country team. I knew nothing about running, weightlifting, or staying healthy. Luckily, I met some wonderful upperclassmen who took me under their wing. They called me their “pet freshman” and taught me good form, how to judge when I was lifting too much or not enough, when and how long to stretch. By the time I was an upperclassman, I had learned well enough that I was able to pass on the knowledge to my own “pet freshman.”
God has prepared us for a purpose, just like my friends prepared me for a purpose, although they didn’t know it. I’m sure they didn’t meet me and think, “I’d better teach her so she can teach other people.” But that’s basically what God thinks about us. Even before we were born, God had a purpose for us. But he wasn’t just going to throw us into the mix without preparation. He was going to prepare us first. He prepares us with his Holy Spirit so that we are able to fulfill his purpose for us. And what is that purpose, you ask? Isaiah tells us in chapter 40 verse 9.
“Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, ‘Behold your God!’”
We know what we’re to do. We are Zion; we are Jerusalem. We are to go climb Mount Everest and shout the Gospel. Just kidding – but we are to proclaim the Word of God. And we’re to do it intentionally. You don’t accidentally climb a mountain. We are to be role models and examples, proclaiming the Word of God in our everyday lives. And God’s already given us the words to say: “Behold your God!” Show the people you meet how wonderful your God is. Tell them about his might and his gentleness, his kingship and his shepherd’s staff. As you describe him, and as you demonstrate how he has changed your life, they will want to meet your God too.