What’s YOUR Assignment?
All of us have certain unique assignments. These assignments are given to us by God—and the assignments have kingdom purposes.
God’s assignments are not like those given by a teacher or a boss. When God gives us an assignment, it’s an invitation to be a part of something HE is doing. There’s no grade…but there is a sacred outcome. No due date…but He does move in timeframes and seasons.
There’s not just one assignment for our lives. We have assignments based on our maturity, the level of our faith, and the desires of our Lord in that time in history.
There are two types of assignments: ULTIMATE Assignments and NOW Assignments.
· ULTIMATE ASSIGNMENTS are invitations by God to tasks that only you were meant for over the span of your lifetime.
· NOW ASSIGNMENTS are invitations by God to tasks taking place now (today, tomorrow, next week)
In 1 Samuel 25: 2-11 we see how David’s ultimate assignment was impacted by Abigail's now assignment. Abigail’s husband, Nabal, was known to be a worthless man, and while David and his men were in hiding from King Saul, they helped Nabal’s shepherds with their sheep; protecting them and helping the flock. While Nabal’s household was celebrating a festive time of shearing the sheep, David sent some men to ask if they could receive some provisions, thinking that Nabal would see them as friends. Instead, Nabal greatly insulted David and his men, which offended David to the point of action.
Assignment Key #1: We will be known for our character when people are watching, and when they are not. Our character impacts our assignments.
In verses 23-33 of 1 Samuel 25 we see Nabal’s wife wisely intervene in the situation. She goes to David humbly and speaks with prophetic discernment.
To speak prophetically means to encourage by God’s truth and wisdom so you exhort, and lift someone up. This isn’t flattery, but a godly wisdom that God gives for a particular assignment. While discernment is a Spirit-led knowing of how to act in the right ways in the right timing—for the right impact.
Abigail’s words to David completely changed his heart and his actions. If she hadn’t intervened, he would have made a devastating mistake with terrible ramifications.
Assignment Key #2: David’s ULTIMATE assignment was to be king. Abigail's NOW assignment was to keep him from doing something regrettable that would keep him from it! Your NOW assignments impact other people’s ULTIMATE assignments. And their assignments impact yours too.
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