I’m a vision guy. I love talking about what God wants to do in or through a person, a group, a business or a church. It excites me to see how God delights in using simple, ordinary and sometimes broken people (like you and me) to do extraordinary things for him.
What God has done and continues to do through his people always makes me smile. The fun in helping people discover their God-given purpose is what makes this pastor tick.
I love the story from the book of Acts of how a guy named Saul (who later became Paul), discovered his purpose and then God used him to change the world. I’m thrilled with the unfolding story of my young friend Pako in Botswana who is discovering his call as a leader.
When you and I uncover God’s plan for our lives and we engage in the adventure of obedience to his call, it’s off-the-charts cool.
But … Sometimes what God does in us is just as important as what he does through us.
Of course, what you do for God matters. Yes, he has a mind-blowing plan for your life. However, God is always working to mold and shape you into the image of his Son. So, what God is doing in you matters just as much as what he is doing through you.
You see, God can use anyone who is surrendered to him to do anything. For example, God is not limited to me when it comes to pastoring Eastpoint. He gave me a vision. He gave me a call. And I love my church. But God could call anyone to pastor this church. Anyone. It’s not just about me.
Of course, I matter. (Probably not as must as I think sometimes.) Certainly, my call to Eastpoint church matters too. However, in the grand scheme of things, my role at this church isn’t eternal, but what God is doing in my soul is.
God has the long view. He sees eternity and he is always at work molding, shaping and forming you and me for an eternal purpose. And as you know, eternity goes way beyond right now.
So, whatever God has you doing at the moment is important. Whatever your function in his kingdom is now, it matters. But don’t become so focused on the role or responsibilities you currently have that you forget: What you do for him and others matters, but what God is doing in you matters just as much and maybe more.
“I am confident that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you, will not stop in mid-design but will keep perfecting you until the day Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King, returns to redeem the world” (Phil. 1:6).
Kurt Bubna is the senior pastor of Eastpoint Church in Spokane Valley, Washington, a regional purpose-driven director (Saddleback Church) and the author of the book Epic Grace: Chronicles of a Recovering Idiot. This post was originally published on KurtBubna.com.