Called for a Purpose
by David Silvester
Some years ago, whilst physically low and recovering from surgery, I read Philippians 3:12 in the Revised Standard version of the Bible. The words ‘Christ Jesus took hold of me’ are translated a little differently and appear as ‘Christ Jesus made me His own’.
Reflecting upon these six words prompted me to ask myself, ‘How? Why? and For what purpose?’ The Lord challenged me about my sin as a child. He then showed me that the reason Jesus came was - to deal with my sin - making it possible to wash me clean from its guilt. He brought me to repentance and into forgiveness.
Why did Jesus ‘take hold of me’ like that? It was simply because of His great love for me. He desired to bring me into a proper relationship with Him, and draw me into His eternal Kingdom. His sacrificial love touched my heart and prompted my response.
But why did Jesus ‘make me His own?’ It was many years later that the purpose was made clear. There were many people around me who needed to know that the Jesus of the New Testament, who said and did amazing things, is alive and real today. He wanted me to be a ‘witness’. Jesus died to save a guilty sinner like me and is able to save the people around me. He can bring them into real ‘wholeness’.
The result was a change of direction for me. From a secular career I was led to become a pastor. The opportunity came to lead congregations into deliverance, healing and wholeness, so they could experience the restoring power of Jesus in their own lives. God has so much more in His plans and purposes for our life than we dare to dream of. It’s as we respond to His leading that they are fulfilled.
Prayer: O Lord God, as I read Your Word, cause me to hear You speaking, and help me to listen to You. Lead me into the path of service You are preparing for me. Then enable me to serve You and see You do those amazing things that Your Holy Spirit is able to do through my obedience. Amen.
David Silvester is married and has a son, two daughters and eight grandchildren. He trained as a production engineer. He then moved on to become a lecturer of engineering craft skills before being called of God in his early fifties to become a pastor of a Baptist church. He says that,"having previously experienced an amazing healing on a day others expected me to die, it came as no surprise that God directed me and my wife, Margaret, to become involved with Ellel Ministries."
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