In what ways can we support others in discovering God's purpose for them? A Question That Echoes: Luke 1:66 “And all who heard these things wondered in their hearts and said, “What then will this child become?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.” What We Learn from the Crowd’s Response • They recognized God’s hand before John had done anything notable. • Their words created an atmosphere of expectation and faith, not pressure or doubt. • By simply voicing the possibility of divine purpose, they helped shape John’s future environment. Ways We Can Do the Same Today 1. Acknowledge God’s Hand Early and Often • Celebrate evidences of grace you see in others—big or small. • Remind them that “the hand of the LORD was with” John, and it is with every believer (Isaiah 41:10). • Proverbs 16:9—“A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” 2. Speak Life-Giving Words • Proverbs 18:21—“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” • Tell them you believe God has prepared good works for them (Ephesians 2:10). • Avoid comparison; focus on unique callings. 3. Point Them to Scripture • Psalm 119:105—“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” • Encourage reading whole books, not just isolated verses, so they catch God’s larger story. • Share verses that confirm identity in Christ: 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17. 4. Pray with Focus and Consistency • Colossians 1:9—Paul prayed believers would “be filled with the knowledge of His will.” • Pray aloud together when possible; it models dependence on God and builds faith. • Keep a journal of answered prayers to highlight God’s guidance over time. 5. Provide Mentorship and Example • 1 Corinthians 11:1—“Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” • Invite them into real-life ministry moments: serving, visiting, discipling. • Share both successes and failures so they see how God works through weakness. 6. Cultivate Christ-Centered Community • Hebrews 10:24-25—spur one another on toward love and good deeds. • Small groups, service teams, and intergenerational friendships broaden perspective. • Community protects against isolation and distortion of calling. 7. Encourage the Use of Spiritual Gifts • 1 Peter 4:10—“Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others.” • Give opportunities to try new roles; purpose often clarifies through practice. • Affirm growth areas and gently refine rough edges. 8. Celebrate Each Step of Obedience • Philippians 1:6—He who began a good work will carry it on to completion. • Recognize milestones: first testimony shared, first lesson taught, first act of service. • Gratitude fuels perseverance and keeps the focus on God’s faithfulness. Living in Expectation Together The crowd around infant John asked, “What then will this child become?” We can echo that hopeful question over every believer we meet, confident that the same Lord who guided John still writes purposeful stories today. |
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