Have you ever felt like the future is unclear, even disconnected from the present? You know you have skills and potential. You can do more. But circumstances have left you thinking, “What is God’s purpose for me?”
For years, our daughter Chelsea prayed for the opportunity to own her own business. She dreamed of opening a CrossFit gym that fostered a community centered on love, focus, and passion. Chelsea was on a mission, viewing a gym as an opportunity to share Christ’s love with others. When a location in Seattle became available in 2018, it seemed like God’s provision.
From the moment she opened the gym doors, however, Chelsea faced some of the hardest and yet most rewarding circumstances of her adult life, one after another. The calling for the gym was clear, but every day brought new challenges.
As it turned out, that experience was God’s purpose, just not how we pictured. I mean, who can anticipate a pandemic?
Six months after the first COVID case was reported in the U.S., federal and local restrictions forced Chelsea’s gym to close. After years of careful planning, Chelsea faced the painful reality that her business would not survive the pandemic. It was hard for us to understand why God led her to this difficult place.
Without a clear path forward, Chelsea clung to God’s character. Trusting His faithfulness allowed her to persevere, even when the outcome was uncertain. I watched my daughter pray and wait, because with God nothing is wasted. His purpose stretches well beyond our plans. He is always shaping us to fulfill His bigger mission.
Jesus Prepared the Disciples
In Matthew 10:6-7, Jesus sent His disciples on a mission.
“Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
The mission was clear, but the instructions were a real challenge. Jesus required His disciples to be generous, unoffendable, and courageous. He challenged them to rely on God, promising He would provide for their needs.
We don’t know how the disciples reacted to Jesus’ instructions, but we do know they went. They were obedient. They walked in faith and experienced God’s provision along the way. After months of following Jesus, they were given authority and trusted to practice their preaching and reach the lost. Under the threat of persecution and rejection, the disciples went, and we know they all returned.
So why did Jesus send them on this mission? Was it to teach them that God provides, that He is reliable? Was it to test their faith in difficult circumstances? Probably all of this and more.
Jesus used this experience to prepare them for the future. The disciples’ success wasn’t measured by a count of those healed or those who followed Christ. In Matthew’s account, the emphasis is on experience, obedience, and preparation.
In Matthew’s final chapter, Jesus gives the disciples their ultimate mission.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Jesus’ words echo Matthew 10:6-7, but He expands their commission. This time, they are to reach all people and all nations. Earlier, Jesus taught them that His power was enough to complete the mission He gave them. Through Him they found the strength to be generous, unoffendable, and courageous. Their faith was enough because God is enough.
Jesus Prepares Us Today
For Chelsea, God led her through some very difficult experiences to prepare her for what was to come. When her business closed, she had time to reflect on God’s character and His mission. When presented with a new opportunity to open another gym, Chelsea had to make a choice. Would she take a risk and step out in faith? Could she trust God to provide?
Chelsea opened her new gym in October 2020. Her past experiences are helping her build a community of love, focus, and passion. As a family, we continue to pray that this gym will be a place where people come to know the love of Christ.
You have probably been where Chelsea was, asking, “What is God’s purpose?” Or maybe you are there right now. I encourage you to take some time in those moments to reflect on what God has taught you. Where has He been faithful? How has He loved you? What do you know about God and circumstances for certain now that you just thought you knew before?
Knowing that God has given you these truths and experiences, be encouraged that He is able do more for you than you can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Stay strong and stay on mission because He is reliable.
Interested in joining a BSF group? Learn more at https://www.bsfinternational.org/.