WEEK 2 DAY 3
Equipped for Purpose
Devotional
When Jesus found the disciples, they were mending their nets—preparing their equipment for the next day's work. This ordinary task carries profound spiritual significance for us. Just as fishermen maintain their nets to catch fish effectively, Jesus equips us for the purpose of catching people for His kingdom.
God doesn't call us to follow Him without also preparing us for the work He has planned. Ephesians 4:12 tells us that Christ gives gifts to His people "to equip the saints for the work of ministry." This equipping happens in multiple ways.
First, Jesus equips us through His Word, which trains us in righteousness and prepares us for every good work. Second, He equips us through community—other disciples who encourage us, challenge us, and help us see our blind spots. As the quote reminds us, discipleship isn't just "you and Jesus"—we need others on this journey.
Third, Jesus equips us through the mission itself. There's a certain kind of training that only comes through active participation in making disciples. When we step out in faith to share the gospel, invite someone to church, or disciple another believer, Jesus meets us there and continues to shape us.
Whatever your current season, remember that Jesus is equipping you for something greater than yourself—a divine purpose that extends beyond your job, family role, or personal goals. He's preparing you to participate in His mission of redemption.
Bible Verse
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." - Ephesians 4:12
Reflection Question
How has Jesus been equipping you recently, and what might that reveal about the specific ways He's calling you to participate in His mission?
Quote
Just as the disciples mended their nets for the purpose of catching fish, Jesus equips us for the mission of making disciples.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for not just calling me but equipping me for Your purposes. Help me to recognize the ways You're preparing me through Your Word, through others, and through experiences. Make me attentive to Your training and faithful to use what You've given me for Your kingdom. Amen.
When Jesus found the disciples, they were mending their nets—preparing their equipment for the next day's work. This ordinary task carries profound spiritual significance for us. Just as fishermen maintain their nets to catch fish effectively, Jesus equips us for the purpose of catching people for His kingdom.
God doesn't call us to follow Him without also preparing us for the work He has planned. Ephesians 4:12 tells us that Christ gives gifts to His people "to equip the saints for the work of ministry." This equipping happens in multiple ways.
First, Jesus equips us through His Word, which trains us in righteousness and prepares us for every good work. Second, He equips us through community—other disciples who encourage us, challenge us, and help us see our blind spots. As the quote reminds us, discipleship isn't just "you and Jesus"—we need others on this journey.
Third, Jesus equips us through the mission itself. There's a certain kind of training that only comes through active participation in making disciples. When we step out in faith to share the gospel, invite someone to church, or disciple another believer, Jesus meets us there and continues to shape us.
Whatever your current season, remember that Jesus is equipping you for something greater than yourself—a divine purpose that extends beyond your job, family role, or personal goals. He's preparing you to participate in His mission of redemption.
Bible Verse
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." - Ephesians 4:12
Reflection Question
How has Jesus been equipping you recently, and what might that reveal about the specific ways He's calling you to participate in His mission?
Quote
Just as the disciples mended their nets for the purpose of catching fish, Jesus equips us for the mission of making disciples.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for not just calling me but equipping me for Your purposes. Help me to recognize the ways You're preparing me through Your Word, through others, and through experiences. Make me attentive to Your training and faithful to use what You've given me for Your kingdom. Amen.