Have you ever observed a situation, and had that overwhelming urge to want to fix it?
It can be so frustrating! We think we can clearly see what we believe are the next steps for the situation. We may even provide the person or people involved in this situation with our suggestions. We believe that if our advice is taken the issue will be resolved.
Truly, can you and I really be the one to fix it? No! We can’t “fix it” for anyone.
But God can fix it!
He is the One who really sees clearly – our vision is partial, His is complete.
He is the One who really knows the correct next steps – our recommendations can be incomplete, but His are thorough.
What do we do when we see someone in a situation and we want to fix it?
I believe our answer is found in the following verses:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” We must remember that Jesus has the authority and ability to “fix it”.
“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,” We are to make disciples! When people come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, they are on the path to having God’s help to deal with any and all situations. God may not have it in His plan for the person to have the situation changed, but His fix may mean He wants to walk with the person through the situation. The experience of God walking with the person may be His “fix”.
“and teaching them” We are to teach them God’s Word. God’s Word provides us with the guidance and help we need to walk with the Lord. Walking with Jesus is the best we can ever have!
“to obey everything I have commanded you” Obedience to God’s Word follows teaching His Word. Obedience to God’s Word is what builds our intimacy with Him. Intimacy with God helps us take our eyes off our situation, and helps us to rest in His mercy and grace.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” We need to remember that His Holy Spirit is always in us, forever. He is our constant Companion, Comforter, and Caregiver.” Matthew 28:18-20
What is a disciple?
The 1828 online Dictionary defines disciple as follows:
“A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another. Hence the constant attendants of Christ were called his disciples; and hence all Christians are called his disciples, as they profess to learn and receive his doctrines and precepts.”
“To disciple is defined as: To teach; to train, or bring up. To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles.”
Discipleship is a privilege and honor, because Jesus has called us out of darkness into His glorious light.
Discipleship is the tool God has given us to help others with a way to find their “fix it” solution.
Discipleship must be under the direction of God’s Holy Spirit.
Discipleship takes effort and sacrifice of one’s time on behalf of another.
Discipleship requires all involved be committed to the goal of knowing God better, and wanting to obey Him.
Please note that making disciples is not a suggestion, it is our life’s call.
It is never too late to be discipled, or to disciple another.
Those who disciple others should represent God well.
The following verses are a few that help us to understand the character of a true disciple of Jesus:
Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Luke 9:24-25: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?”
John 8:31: “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,”
John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Romans 12:1-2: “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.”
Are you a true follower of Jesus? If you answer yes, what evidence indicates that is the truth? If you aren’t sure, or answer no, then please contact someone [or me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com]
who can help you know the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, so you can receive His forgiveness, and to be reconciled to God.
If you are a committed follower of Jesus, how willing are you to be obedient to God’s call to disciple, or to be discipled?
Discipleship is rewarding! James 5:20: “remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
Living for Jesus, Donna
P.S. If this has helped you, please feel free to share it with others!
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Copyright 2023 Donna Shappy All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.