That one assignment
That One Assignment
by Autumn R. Finklea
What comes to mind when you hear the word team?
Maybe it’s your favorite sports team. Maybe it’s your coworkers. Maybe it’s your castmates. No matter the category, one truth remains: every team member is assigned a part to help achieve a shared goal.
School Days & Team Projects
Back in my school days, team projects made me anxious.
We couldn’t choose our teammates—and we definitely couldn’t choose our assignments.
I often ended up with the tedious tasks… not the ones I would’ve picked.
Can You Relate?
Sometimes we mentally pout.
We wonder why this part was assigned to us instead of that one.
The task feels challenging.
We feel inadequate.
And sometimes—we just don’t want to do it.
But the goal hasn’t changed.
Kingdom Assignments
As believers, we’ve been given a shared goal:
“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
We’re teammates in the Kingdom, each assigned a different part.
The Bible calls them gifts.
We Don’t Get to Pick
Just like those school projects, we don’t choose our Kingdom assignments.
Some are called to serve.
Some to encourage.
Some to teach.
Sounds pleasant and straightforward—until you’re called to serve someone who’s not receptive.
Or teach someone who hurt you.
Or encourage someone who’s hard to love.
Here’s the Good Part
The role is still yours.
The assignment doesn’t change.
And God doesn’t ask you to do anything He hasn’t already equipped you to do.
Some of the hardest assignments are where we grow and mature.
This is where we lock in and remember our why—
That one goal: to be disciples and draw others to Him.
Power Verse
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
—Romans 12:6–8 NLT
Reflection Question
What is one challenging thing God is asking you to do?
Pause to remember your why.
If you’re not sure—pray about it.
And above all, remember: you are equipped.
Prayer
Father God, sometimes we are called to do hard things. Our gifts and talents belong to You first. Help us to remember our why, and that we are equipped to do what You have called us to do. Let us be careful to give You praise, honor, and glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
