I Am Somebody…

​“When the seventy-two came back, they were very happy and said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we used your name!” Luke 10:17 (NCV)
 
I want to take a moment to reflect on the first three words “And the seventy-two”. When I read this scripture for the first time, (six years ago) my mind was blown. Wait a second, who were these seventy-two people? I knew about the twelve disciples but who was Luke talking about? That question can be answered, to some degree, in Luke 10:1 “After this, the Lord chose seventy-two others and sent them out in pairs ahead of him into every town and place where he planned to go.”
 
According to this scripture, these seventy-two were like heralds or forerunners. They traveled to the cities that Jesus was planning on visiting. They saw whether the ground was fertile for planting. Maybe a better word for them would be scouts. But the question still remains, who were these seventy-two?
 
They have no names in the history books, but they were important.
 
I have found myself asking God, “What’s my purpose?”
 
Part of me, would like Him to respond with, “Nicole, go do this specific task.”
 
But honestly, His answer is much easier. His answer is: submit to me.
 
My name might not get mentioned in history books. A hundred years after I die, I might be completely forgotten. But that’s ok because I am somebody to God. Just like those seventy-two, my life serves a purpose and so does yours. My purpose is fulfilled when I submit to God. When I say, “Here I am, I give you my life every part of it.” When I say this, my purpose is fulfilled. Where? Waiting for my kids in the car line at school, checking out groceries at the store, writing on the floor in the library, or floating down the river in my kayak. God’s purpose for my life is fulfilled through everything I do when I submit my life to Him.  
 
“So the one who plants is not important, and the one who waters is not important. Only God, who makes things grow, is important. The one who plants and the one who waters have the same purpose, and each will be rewarded for his own work. We are God’s workers, working together; you are like God’s farm, God’s house.” 1 Corinthians 3:7-9
 
God, keep this fresh on my mind every day. Rather than seeking a purposeful calling, guide me to seek You. Help me to understand that by submitting to You every day I am fulfilling your purpose for my life. A life that praises you and gives you glory. Amen