Didn’t He Say, Go

Jesus didn’t say “sit and wait.” He said “Go.”
Go into all the world.
Go make disciples.
Go let your light shine.

So why do we hesitate?

It is a tragedy when we sit back and assume that making a difference requires a title, a platform, or someone’s permission. Influence isn’t passive—it’s intentional. And the world around us is starving for people who will step forward and do the work.

Recently, a friend of mine kept sending multiple inspirational group texts every morning. I’ll be honest—it started to get annoying quickly. She knows me well enough to handle my honesty, so I finally sent something like, “Love you…but whew, that’s a lot of text messages. You can always call me though!”

Her heart was in the right place. She genuinely wanted to encourage people. And she’s not alone—I’ve connected with so many people like her who burn with the desire to make a difference but feel stuck, unseen, or unsure where to begin.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

Purpose doesn’t always come packaged in an invitation.
Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone and explore what’s already around you. Opportunities to uplift, serve, and influence are everywhere—at work, in your neighborhood, at the gym, on a walk, or even standing in line at the grocery store. But discovering them requires movement.

The Harvest Is Ready—Are We?

Jesus Himself reminds us:

• “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”
  — Matthew 9:37
• “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already ripe for the harvest.”
  — John 4:35
• “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
  — Mark 16:15

The harvest is not the problem.
The opportunities are not the problem.
The broken, the lost, the discouraged—they are out there, waiting.

The problem is that too many willing hearts are waiting to be asked.

But Jesus didn’t say wait. He said go.

When Purpose Feels Like Rejection

Have you ever applied for a job multiple times and didn’t receive a single response?
I have.
With jobs, rejection is expected. But when you genuinely want to serve? When you want to volunteer and pour into others? Rejection hits differently.

But here’s the revelation:
Sometimes we’re trying to reach the wrong audience.

My friend and I both long to uplift others and live out our calling. But our Christian friends—who are already encouraged, already filled, already built up—may not be the people we are called to impact.

Sometimes we are overfeeding the fed while the hungry go untouched.

Purpose requires discernment.
Purpose requires boldness.
Purpose requires going where people truly need what God placed inside of you.

And the fields are already ripe.

Closing Prayer

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for calling us, equipping us, and trusting us to be laborers in Your harvest. Give us eyes to see the opportunities that surround us every day. Remove hesitation, fear, and complacency. Stir up courage, boldness, and compassion within us.  Lord, send us—not to where it’s comfortable, but to where we’re needed. Open doors, align divine appointments, and let our lives reflect Your love and truth.  Empower us through the Holy Spirit to “go” as You commanded, and to serve with grace, humility, and purpose. Make us faithful laborers in a plentiful harvest.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.