Adulthood #4 — Being Available – Living God's Mission
As we continue exploring the adult stage of discipleship, we discover that adult disciples no longer see their lives as their own. Having become secure in their identity and increasingly shaped by the character of Christ, they now live with an open heart and open hands before God. Spiritual adulthood is marked by availability.
Adult disciples understand that their calling is not primarily a role—it is a posture. Rather than asking, "What is my ministry?" they ask, "Lord, where are You already at work, and how can I participate?" This simple change in perspective transforms discipleship from pursuing assignments to living in continual availability to God.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10 that, "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." God has already prepared opportunities for His people, for you and for me. The invitation is not to create our own mission but to faithfully walk in the one He has prepared.
As disciples mature, they move beyond participation to contribution. Every believer has a unique purpose within God's Kingdom. Adult disciples understand that God has intentionally shaped them and equipped them for His purposes. They become familiar with the unique ways God has formed them through their temperament and personality, their growing relationship with Christ, their spiritual gifts, their personal calling, and the Kingdom assignments He entrusts to them.
Rather than comparing themselves with others, mature disciples learn to embrace the grace God has given them. They do not become distracted by the gifts, opportunities, or influence entrusted to someone else. Instead, they faithfully steward what God has placed into their own hands.
This principle is beautifully illustrated throughout Scripture.
When Moses questioned his ability to lead Israel, God did not begin by giving him something new. Instead, He asked a simple question: "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2). Moses held only a shepherd's staff, yet in God's hands it became an instrument through which His power was revealed. The issue was never what Moses lacked, but whether he would surrender what he already possessed.
Similarly, when the widow came to Elisha burdened by overwhelming debt, the prophet asked, "What do you have in your house?" (2 Kings 4:2). She possessed only a small jar of oil. Yet as she obediently offered what little she had, God multiplied it beyond her expectations, providing enough to repay her debts and sustain her family.
Both accounts remind us that God rarely begins with what we wish we had. He begins with what He has already entrusted to us. (Remember faithfulness in little leads to faithfulness with much, Luke 19: 11-19) Adult disciples stop looking sideways at what others have received and begin faithfully using what God has graciously placed in their own hands.
This is possible because mature disciples recognise that their lives no longer belong to themselves. Paul reminds us, "You were bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20). Our careers, relationships, resources, gifts, time, and opportunities all belong to Christ. They become instruments through which His Kingdom is revealed.
The mission itself is shared by every believer—to know Christ, to make Him known, and to demonstrate His love wherever He places us. Yet the expression of that mission is wonderfully unique. God does not call every disciple to the same task, but He does call every disciple to the same availability. Whether serving in the workplace, raising a family, leading in the church, caring for neighbours, discipling younger believers, or faithfully living for Christ in ordinary routines, every setting becomes holy ground when we willingly join God in what He is already doing.
This is the beauty of spiritual adulthood. Availability replaces ambition. Faithfulness replaces comparison. Surrender replaces self-direction. Adult disciples wake each day not asking what they want to accomplish for God, but where God is inviting them to participate in His work today.
Reflection Questions
1. Do I spend more time asking God to bless my plans, or asking where He is already at work?
2. What gifts, opportunities, or experiences has God already placed "in my hand" that I may be overlooking?
3. Am I comparing my calling with someone else's, or faithfully stewarding the unique life God has entrusted to me?
4. What would it look like this week to intentionally join God in His mission where He has already placed me?
5. How can I encourage a fellow disciple to be on mission more intentionally this week?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You have created each of us with purpose and have prepared good works for us to walk in. Thank You that You have uniquely shaped us, gifted us, and called us according to Your wisdom and grace.
Forgive me for the times I compare myself with others or become distracted by what You have entrusted to someone else. Teach me to faithfully steward what You have placed in my hands.
Help me to live with a heart fully available to You. Open my eyes to recognise where You are already at work, and give me a willing spirit to join You. May my life increasingly reflect the surrender, faithfulness, and joy that come from belonging completely to Christ.
Use my ordinary days, relationships, gifts, and opportunities to make Jesus known. May I gladly live for Your purposes and not my own.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Call to Action
Begin each morning this week with a simple prayer: "Lord, where are You already at work today, and how can I join You?" Throughout the day, pay attention to opportunities to encourage, serve, pray, listen, or share Christ's love. Rather than waiting for a significant ministry opportunity, faithfully use what God has already placed in your hands, trusting that He delights to work through those who make themselves available to Him.
This blog was written by Richard Botta.
