God's will for your life is not as mysterious as it seems. Come explore clear directions in Isaiah 58 and ask yourself some important, helpful questions.
God does not want you to have any doubt about what His will is. That is why He worked through many men to create the Bible which is His message directly intended for you. God promises, "By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing" (2 Timothy 3:17 NIRV).
The Bible shows us God's will about our mission most clearly through Jesus, our example. Jesus quoted Isaiah as applying to His work of salvation and healing. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord" (Luke 4:18-19 NKJV).
God has given His people a similar commission in Isaiah 58. This passage beautifully illustrates God's concern for the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual parts of every person's life. He wants us to actively care for the needs of those around us while seeking to extend His compassion to places far from us that have no one to help. Throughout the Bible there are other clear statements of God's call to serve.
Many people say, "God never called me. I wanted to be a missionary, but no one asked." God has already called and asked. But this mission is vast, so we have to focus in on what we can discern fits us. Continue on to explore the details.
Read and meditate on Isaiah 58. Study this passage carefully and read some amazing Isaiah 58 Quotes by Ellen White. Search for other Biblical passages and examples. Ask God to give you His heart and Jesus' righteousness so you can love and serve as Jesus did. Job said, "I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; My justice was like a robe and a turban. I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame. I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case that I did not know. I broke the fangs of the wicked, and plucked the victim from his teeth" (Job 29:14-17 NKJV).
1. Explore the World Needs in this section.
2. Choose an area that really touches your heart or makes you angry, determined for change.
3. Research who others are doing to help.
4. Pray for the people affected and for God to show you how to help.
5. Search for something you can do as a volunteer or how to pursue it as your career focus.
6. Motivate others to join you.
7. As you serve, continue to ask God to miraculously show you if He has anything more specific regarding His will for your mission.
1. When you look at the problems and suffering in the world, which would you be most passionate about helping?
2. What have you enjoyed most of any local outreach or service you have done?
3. Of various jobs you have done, what have you done well at and enjoyed?
4. Of any mission trips you've taken, what experiences stand out that were especially fulfilling?
5. What hardships have you been through that God could use to help others going through similar things?
6. What failures or areas of brokenness do you think God might use to help others through similar struggles?
7. If you could choose to go anywhere in the world to help people, where would you go and what would you do?
8. If you knew there was only ten years until Jesus returned what would you spend the time doing?
9. If time lasts until you are 75 what would you like to look back at and know you accomplished?
10. When you pray and say you are willing to do whatever God wants you to do, what thoughts come to mind?
11. If money was not an issue, what would you go and do to serve God? What course or training would you study?
12. What have you seen God do through miraculously in spite of any of your abilities or weaknesses?
13. Lift your eyes above anything about yourself. What miracles in the Bible, of Spirit-filled believers, can you imagine God doing through you?
Isaiah 58's Unusual Sacrifice and Last-Chance Glory
Right-Just-Ness by Faith - Isaiah 58.
Pastor Scott Griswold's Sermon at Conroe Seventh-day Adventist Church. Presentation begins at about 9:00:
Light in the Darkness of the World’s Needs (Isaiah 58 Part 1)
Pastor Scott Griswold, Friday Evening at Oklahoma Academy. Presentation begins at 16:47
Like a Watered Garden Green (Isaiah 58 Part 2)
Pastor Scott Griswold, Sabbath morning at Oklahoma Academy. Presentation Starts around 58:00
Connect the World’s Brokenness to Your Passion (Isaiah 58 Part 3)
Pastor Scott Griswold, Sabbath Afternoon at Oklahoma Academy.
Enjoy Scott Griswold's song sung by students at Oklahoma Academy - Like a Watered Garden.
Like a Watered Garden Sheet Music and PPT or Keynote is available on request
Enjoy Tony Evert's scripture song from Isaiah 58.
Pastor Scott and Julie would be delighted to listen to your journey so far and pray together for God to further reveal and lead you in His mission for your life.
