Have you noticed how life challenges tend to focus us on what we have to do, rather than our God who is with us?

A friend shared something with me this week that encouraged me. We were sitting with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.” (Matt 28:18-20)

It’s a passage in which we can highlight the action words: go, make disciples, baptise, and teach. This can feel like a list of impossible tasks we’re meant to make happen. But look at what surrounds the Great Commission.

First, Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
His power.

Then He ends with, “I am with you always.”
His presence.

Everything Jesus asks of us rests inside those two promises. His power makes it possible. His presence means we do not do this alone. The Great Commission is possible not through our effort but in God’s power and God’s persistent presence.

What are you working hard at right now? What challenges do you feel responsible for? How long is your list of impossible tasks? What difference would it make for you to know Jesus has all authority and power over your circumstances? What if you knew Jesus is with you, with care and guidance? How would your heart feel? What choices might you make? What prayers might you pray? Remember, for those in Christ Jesus, we do not do this alone. We never have.

In Him,
Jason

Photo by Motoki Tonn on Unsplash