Many individuals may have answered God’s call, they have said ‘yes’ perhaps even years ago, but find themselves unsure of where to begin, what steps to take, or how to proceed in fulfilling their purpose. I believe that, while waiting for God to reveal the specifics of your assignment, you can begin by simply preaching the gospel to those around you. Share it with your roommate, family, friends, and colleagues, take every opportunity to spread the message of Jesus Christ.
The Man Apollos
One man in the Scriptures that truly inspires me is Apollos. This man didn’t wait until he had everything figured out before he started preaching. He didn’t wait to know it all, go to seminary, theology school, or have a perfect understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures say he had been instructed in the Lord and, being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he only knew the baptism of John. He boldly went out, preaching in the synagogue, unrestrained, hungry for both the truth and to share that truth with others! He simply wanted people to be saved and converted, and he started from where he was, teaching what he had learned and knew.
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:24-28). I can only imagine how excited Apollos must have been to be taught even more, and the passion with which he went out to preach with his newfound understanding. He must have been so impactful that Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Apollos watered people’s hearts with truth and passion, and God brought the growth!
This goes without saying: start from where you are, teach what the Holy Spirit has taught you. He won’t reveal everything you need to pass on at once, so why wait to figure it all out completely? As you step out in faith, He will reveal more to you. As you utilize the first talent He’s given you, He will give you more.
Give yourself to His Word, learn what the gospel is holistically, and tell others about what you have discovered. This is what distinguished kings like Josiah (2 Kings 22-23) and Jehoshaphat. “Of Jehosaphat, scriptures say: “In the third year of his reign, he sent his officials—Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah—to teach in the towns of Judah. They taught the people, taking with them the book of the law of the Lord. They went around to all the towns of Judah and taught the people.” (Chronicles 17:7-9).
When the disciples were baptized with the Holy Spirit, the first thing they did was preach the gospel (Acts 2:1-4, 2:14). And they preached with boldness, so bold that the council members were amazed at the audacity and accuracy of these unlearned individuals. When told not to preach anymore, they understood their obligation to God was first and foremost.
Additionally, consider volunteering in your place of worship by joining a ministry or unit. It is essential to remember, however, that while volunteering is valuable, it is important not to become so caught up in church activities that you lose sight of your true purpose: to serve God and make Him known.
Ultimately, it’s about being faithful and sincere in how we serve. Whether we’re sharing the gospel with a neighbor or speaking to a crowd, what matters most is that we do it with a heart full of passion for God’s truth. Like Apollos, we don’t have to have everything figured out before we start. God equips us as we step out in faith. The more we show up and stay faithful, the more He’ll reveal and trust us with.
So wherever you are right now, don’t wait for the perfect moment or all the answers. Start where you are, share what you know, and trust that God will guide you. Serve in your church, talk to the people around you, and make God known in whatever you do. And remember, whether you’re reaching a few or a thousand, God is faithful to bring the growth. Let’s just stay faithful to what He’s given us, and let Him take care of the rest.
