People ask me how I find my clients, Lord. I know it is always You who directs our steps, so we both come to know You intend for us to journey together for a season. But this morning… You used an approach You have never used before.
In my quiet time, You led me to several passages in Your Word. And suddenly, I knew the name of my next client. As if You had spoken her name out loud. Amazing.
“Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing. Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.” (Acts 15:36-40)
That wasn’t the end of the story. In some of his later letters, Paul refers to Mark as his “son” and “fellow worker.” He exhorts others to bring Mark to him “because he is helpful to [Paul] in the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11) and to “welcome him” (Colossians 4:10).
So I wonder: What happened during those times when Barnabas and Mark traveled together? Is it safe to assume that Barnabas poured into Mark all You had provided him, Lord? Things like wisdom, godly counsel, intimacy with You…?
“… speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every aspect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)
What happened that Paul had such a complete change of heart towards Mark? I have a theory. As relational beings, we respond to each other. Mark surely grew under the guidance of Barnabas and, as he did so, he became a different person for Paul (and everyone else) to respond to.
By Your gracious invitation, Lord, I will gladly be a ” Barnabas” to my new client — to pour whatever You have given me into her. Of course, it takes “two” to “tango.” Is she ready to start, Lord? She doesn’t yet know You have picked her! I trust You will speak to her before I do, Lord — so she is ready to say “YES” to You!
I never would have thought, Lord…
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)
Surprised and grateful,
Abba’s Girl