REVIVAL IS COMING | A SPECIAL CALLING IN THE INDUSTRY

Don't you love how the Lord speaks to you (or speaks to you through others) right when you need it most? That was me these past few months, trying to balance serving in the ministry, tending to a growing business, managing that barista position, and all the other sweetness that life brings. It's a beautiful thing how absolutely nothing is too mundane for the Lord, and that His heart is to help us and refine us through it all. He gave me a realization that completely transformed my mindset. That is, we are commissioned! Why did I lose sight of this life-changing calling? I wanted to encourage you, whether you are a small business owner, or hustling in the corporate world, with some parting thoughts.

Revival is Coming 

I believe the harvest is plentiful, I believe there is a mighty move of God on the horizon, and I believe that we all have a divine role to play. As small business owners, retail workers, bloggers, baristas, and beyond, we have a special opportunity. When we shine His light right where we are, right where God has called us, revival is bound to happen. It can occur with a simple yet intentional conversation with a new friend, a piece of genuine encouragement, and a joyful spirit, just to name a few. Let's join in both prayer and prayer-led action for revival!

"Open the heavens
Fling wide the gates
Flood every heart with mercy
Pour out Your Presence
Inhabit our praise
As we cry holy holy

Lord send revival
Lord send it now
A move of Your Spirit
Heaven break out
Come now in power
Cover this land
Like You've done it before
Would You do it again"
​
(Lord Send Revival, Hillsong Young + Free)

Bridging the Gap

We don't have to work alone; we get to work alongside God. How cool is that? One of my favorite lyrics continues to ring truth into my life. This idea is presented all throughout scripture, and I pray it speaks to you, blesses you, and encourages you.

"I know who goes before me, I know who stands behind, the God of angel armies is always by my side."

(Whom Shall I Fear, Chris Tomlin)

This is our reality in every moment, but specifically, in our workplaces. When we work with God and let His spirit guide our hearts, speech, and action, we create an environment filled with the presence of the Lord, where the fruits of His spirit and the truths of His gospel multiply.

We don't have to separate our relationship with God with our everyday reality, or our ministry work with our jobs. We can integrate what has been divided, as the Body of Christ.

An Offering, The Root of Joy

Our everyday, our hustle, our bustle, can be placed before God as an offering. It is like giving a gift to God as a thank-you for everything He has blessed us with. Knowing my work as a gift unto Christ, has transformed everything. Romans 12:1-2 states: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This, right here, is where joy in chaos is found, an amazing peace that makes no sense.

The Great Commission

I was reading through some applicable devotions and scripture in search of motivation and stumbled upon this paraphrasing. 

​Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore (to your workplace) and make disciples (be a teacher) of all nations (your coworkers), baptizing (immersing) them in the name (the nature and identity) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them (by your example) to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

​Isn't that great? It is time to live life passionately, zealously, radically, and generously, living out both the gospel and our testimonies with the goal of ministering to others. We are sent to our workplaces for a purpose. Remember Mordecai's words to Esther when she agreed to help the jews? "Maybe you have been chosen for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14) It's time we bring kingdom work beyond the church walls and out into the community.

He is the Same God

The God who split the seas for the Israelites, the God who raised Lazarus from the dead, the God who healed the blind and made the lame walk, is the same God at work in your life, in my life, and in the lives of everyone around us. His heart is to move, and His heart is to redeem His people. Let's do what we are called to do!