Mathew 10: 9-10 ‘Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for workman is worthy of his meat’
DAILY READING • Ephesians 3; Ezekiel 8-9; Isaiah 41
William Wilberforce was born into a wealthy home and was rich, but the money did not make him happy. Fulfillment was missing until he encountered Christ. William Wilberforce is best known today as the extraordinary Member of Parliament in the 18th century whose tenacious efforts played a prominent role in bringing an end to the British slave trade. However, Wilberforce testified that his slavery abolition endeavors and his many other philanthropic works never would have come about without what he always called his “Great Change” – his Christian conversion
Though he was born into a wealthy family, he lacked peace and fulfillment until he encountered Christ. Prior to this encounter, he was part of fashionable society, attending the theatre and races, entertaining, socializing. After leaving university he was elected to the House of Commons, where he was not active, rather spent most of his time at the three most important gentlemen’s clubs in London. At the time he was a heavy gambler, he dressed in the colourful finery of the day and adorned many salon with his amiable manner.
Wilberforce’s “Great Change,” his gradual process of coming to embrace Christian beliefs, began in the autumn of 1784 and continued for a year and a half, through the spring of 1786. During that period of time Wilberforce became convinced of and personally embraced the truths of Christianity, including the Deity of Jesus Christ, His atoning death on the cross for sin and the Bible as God’s authoritative Word.
Wilberforce made a secret visit to the great preacher John Newton who, was then pastoring in London. Newton affirmed Wilberforce’s newfound Christian convictions and encouraged him to serve God by remaining in Parliament.
After his conversion, Wilberforce renounced all “things of the flesh”. He resigned from all his gentlemen clubs, he gave up his racehorse, gambling and “exchanged his socializing and entertaining for one of reflection and re-evaluation”. Some of his friends thought his new found belief was madness. However, as a result of this conversion, Wilberforce became active in campaigning for social reform. He and his evangelical friends were nicknamed “the Saints” by upper class circles of the house of common, but he won widespread respect. He championed many causes but it was the fight against the Slave Trade and slavery and its eventual abolition that he is known mostly for.
It was only when Wilberforce located his calling that he found value, peace and fulfillment in life. Today, the concerns about what to eat, drink and wear, has derailed many people from following God’s call. The care of this life has diverted their attention from the divine purpose for their lives. We have to come to the place where we fully realize that our lives can only have meaning and value when we are following God’s call. We must value our calling more than the pursuit of worldly things. God will judge us according to how well we followed His will for our lives. Your calling is what will matter in the end. You can make all the money in the world and still be unhappy, unfulfilled. What is more important is ensuring we are following God’s preordained plan for us. Once we are following the will of God we will be fulfilled whether we have or not have. Joy will fill our lives.
In Mathew 10, Jesus said ‘Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for workman is worthy of his meat.’ ”
Jesus told His disciples to take no purse for your journey, because the provision will come as you pursue the vision. Step out in faith believing God. You don’t have to have enough money before you strike out in doing what God has called you to do. . Faithful is He that called you who also will do it. What God has ordered He is able to pay for. Psalm 78:18 records that the Israelites questioned if God could furnish a table in the wilderness. God proved He could by causing quails to fall around their camp all night long. However their doubt of His ability to provide also brought wrath upon them.
As we pursue God’s call, we have to trust that God will take care of us. Following God’s plan for our lives is what will bring provision, joy, peace and fulfillment. When we follow God’s plan for our lives, and sincerely seek God’s kingdom first, then every other thing shall indeed be added unto us.
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for Your continual divine provision in my life. Surely as I seek first Your kingdom, every other thing shall be added unto me in Jesus Name
Quote
It takes a heart for God to make a mark in the sands of time. – – WORDBITE 222.