Life is a journey of unexpected twists and turns, many of which are out of our control. On this journey, there are some people who demonstrate unwavering faith in living out their God-given calling. And although countless individuals throughout history have dedicated their lives to a higher purpose, one in particular sticks out for me. It’s John the Baptist.

John’s life teaches us a profound lesson about being willing to be used by a higher power, surrendering our own plans to fulfill a greater purpose. This is a man whose entire life serves as an example of being willing to be used by God. Let’s explore his incredible journey and draw valuable parallels to our own lives that will hopefully inspire us to embrace God’s purpose with open hearts and minds.

Unusual Beginnings

John’s divine calling was prophesied long before his existence in the book of Isaiah. He was to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. John’s life was destined to be extraordinary, but it required a profound level of surrender and obedience to God’s plan.

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3, NIV)

Then John’s life began with an unusual start. His parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were well past their prime when they were blessed with a son. From the very beginning, John was set apart for a special purpose.

John showed signs of his calling even before his birth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1:41, NIV)

Radical Lifestyle

John the Baptist’s life was far from ordinary. He lived in the wilderness, dressed in a camel-hair robe, and ate a simple diet of locusts and wild honey. His radical lifestyle was a testament to his dedication and singular focus on fulfilling God’s purpose for his life.

While God may not call all of us to lead an extreme existence, the life of John teaches us the importance of being willing to let go of worldly comforts that may hinder us from fully embracing God’s plan.

Each of us has a unique purpose in life, carefully crafted by the Creator. However, embracing this purpose often involves stepping out of our comfort zones and yielding to God’s guidance, even if the path seems unconventional or challenging.

Voice in the Wilderness

John fearlessly proclaimed a message of repentance and righteousness, preparing the hearts of people for the arrival of the Messiah. He did not shy away from speaking the truth, even when it placed him in the crosshairs of authority.

He proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins and called people to turn their hearts back to God. John was a voice crying in the wilderness, urging individuals to make their paths straight.

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ (Matthew 3:1-3, NIV)

Likewise, in our own lives, embracing God’s purpose often means stepping into the unknown and taking a stand for what is right, regardless of the potential consequences. It means addressing the issues that the world often overlooks, advocating for justice, and calling people to transformation. This requires boldness and courage – qualities that defined John’s life.

Humility and Selflessness

Despite his pivotal role in preparing the way for Jesus, John the Baptist remained incredibly humble. When crowds began to gather around him, he consistently redirected their attention to the one who was to come after him – Jesus. He recognized that his role was to prepare the way, not to claim glory for himself. His humility allowed him to be a powerful instrument in God’s hands.

“I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:26-27, NIV)

Embracing God’s purpose requires setting aside our ego and acknowledging that we are mere vessels for divine work. Humility is essential. Our purpose is not to draw attention to ourselves but to point others toward the divine source of all things. It is in our humility that we become more effective instruments of God’s love and grace.

Perseverance

John’s life was not without trials. He faced opposition from religious authorities, was imprisoned, and ultimately met a tragic end. He was beheaded. However, he never wavered in his commitment to God’s calling. His willingness to lay down his life for the truth exemplifies the extent to which he embraced being used by God.

In our own journeys, we will encounter obstacles and setbacks. The life of John reminds us to persevere through challenges, trusting that God’s plan is always greater than our temporary struggles. Being used by God often requires us to set aside our own agenda and follow the higher calling.

Summary

The life of John the Baptist serves as a remarkable illustration of being willing to be used by God. His unwavering faith, radical lifestyle, fearlessness in proclaiming truth, humility, and perseverance provide us with invaluable lessons as we seek to embrace God’s purpose for our lives.

His story reminds us that embracing God’s calling might lead us on a path that appears unconventional, demanding, and even crazy to the world. However, it is precisely in these moments of surrender that we find our true purpose and fulfillment.

Just as John embraced his unique calling, we too must open ourselves to be vessels for God’s work. John paved the way for Jesus. Our lives have the potential to pave the way for transformation, redemption, and positive change.

When we are willing to answer the call, embrace the unknown, and step into the wild journey of being used by God, we become part of a greater story that unfolds through us and beyond us.

Conclusion

Let us surrender our will to His, step out in faith, and allow His divine plan to unfold in our lives. In doing so, we will discover profound fulfillment and become agents of positive change in the world around us. May the example of John the Baptist inspire us to live a life fully surrendered to God’s purpose.