Paul wrote to Timothy, a young preacher whom he called his son, because he considered him special for having accepted Jesus and answered God's call to be a minister of the Gospel (Acts 16:1-3). Fortunate are the people who receive a ministerial call, come forward and set out to carry it out. Some have not yet awakened to take on the task they have received from the Lord, and this makes them live badly!

         There is nothing better than feeling at peace with the Almighty, doing what He has destined for you. Those who take part in the ministry of the church and strive to learn more about the Word of God will speak like Isaiah: Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Without a doubt, this person will be special in the Kingdom of Heaven!

           Paul was harsh with Timothy because he thought that, due to his youth, he would be prone to be enchanted by the world's offerings and despise God's work. Reflect on the decision to renounce so many things, prioritizing the call of the Most High. The Scriptures declare: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3.16). He had no other Son to die crucified for us, so that we could be saved. God gave priority to the salvation of humanity!

           The Father calls some of His children to go out into the world to evangelize the lost. There are those who are called to shepherd the flock, to teach the Bible, to exercise prophetic ministry or as apostles. Others are occupied with developing minor gifts and functions offered in the work. However, many reject the invitation because they have to look after their family or want to pursue some personal project. Those who are approved say “yes” to the Lord!

           Paul speaks of prophecies, because all revelation from God comes in the form of prophecy and makes a difference. Some people, however, try to forget them. Now, if the Creator calls you to give the world the opportunity to hear the Gospel and get to know Jesus, why not present yourself to Him and say: “Here I am, to be sent wherever You wish”? Some still do like Jonah, who took the opposite route and went to the hold of the ship, running away from God (Jonah 1). Did he not see where he was going?

           When we read the Bible or listen to sermon on a subject, we are touched so intensely that we can't deny that the Lord has spoken to us. The cares of life, the allure of riches and the ambition to achieve other things prevent us from making the right decision (Luke 8.14). Those who love God, armed with guidance from their heavenly Father, set out to fulfill it. Now, what about those who run away from the Lord after being chosen to carry out a task?

           Always keep in mind all that the Most High has made you know about preparing to do His will and decide to obey Him. He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him (John 14:21). Don't play games with the mission you have received from the Lord. Do what He has destined for you and you will receive the blessings that await you for eternity!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares