“Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. So, we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.” (3 John 1:5-8 NLT)
“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV)
“Come follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19 NIV)
As I begin to put my thoughts down on paper, I am wondering who it is that I am writing this for. While I have a clear vision of who I am trying to reach, I know that it is my Heavenly Father that will work in the hearts and minds of those that He desires to reach through me. I make plans, but He is the one who brings those plans to pass in whatever way He determines is best. So, whoever you are, as you read this, take time to ponder what your “Late Life Assignment” is. I believe that we are about to see this world turned upside down by those who, like me, are entering into their “senior season” of life.
So far, we have looked at the fact that the activation is in the assignment. As I accept my assignment, and by faith move forward even though I do not yet have everything needed to fulfill it, the needed direction and resources become available.
Next, we looked at what to me is a very exciting truth. God never revokes or removes the gifts (spiritual gifts and God-given talents) or calls (assignments) that He has given to us. There is no expiration date on our usefulness in the Kingdom of God. Thank God for His patience!
Today we are going to touch on my personal gift (teacher) and call (travel throughout the Body of Christ). Like those commended by the Apostle John, I am fully persuaded that I have been given the “Late Life Assignment” of being a “Traveling Teacher.”
Jesus was a traveling teacher who modeled that life for us. He traveled from place to place proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and doing good healing (delivering, restoring, providing, etc.) all who were being oppressed by the devil (the enemy of the human race who wants nothing more than to steal, kill, and destroy). He chose disciples that he trained to follow in his footsteps. He is still doing that today. His departing words to those who are following him are to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. That is exactly what I am being prepared to do.
Two weeks ago I purchased a 2014 Ford Transit Connect that will be my “mini-home on wheels.” Last week I published a booklet that I will be handing out to introduce myself and the ministry that the Lord called me to launch. And in two weeks I will go on the road. What an exciting time to be alive!
What is your call (assignment)?
What are your gifts (spiritual gifts and God-given talents)?
You are never too old, and it is never too late to get started.
That is why I wrote…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 367: Late Life Assignment: Part 3 – The Gift: Traveling Teacher