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Feb 23, 2023 18:30pm

Called, Equipped, Sent

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Students that aspire to be physicians have a long journey ahead of them. For 11 years, I was able to help them figure out the right steps to get them there.

Part of the road to medical school included shadowing. The students had to follow physicians to see what they did on a daily basis. It wasn’t just for a day or a few hours, but their goal was to have at least 100 hours of shadowing experience when they applied. It gave them a better understanding of the job, the people they would serve, the duties required, and they even learned new techniques and skills just by observing.

Medical school requires 2 years of didactic learning, which means in the classroom. During their junior year, they begin rotations at various sites in a variety of specialties. At some of those locations they would be required to step up and do more than just observe. They would get the chance to participate and even lead in some cases.

For some, that caused a lot of fear.

Students would come to my office with worries about whether or not they were ready for that next step. What if they messed up? What if they said something wrong? What if they froze and forgot everything?

After much reassurance and reminders of why they began this journey in the first place, their confidence was bolstered and they were ready to give it a try.

Even though it felt like pushing a bird out of the nest, it was a necessary step. Residency was ahead and it was time to fly. There was always someone watching over them, ready to help if needed, but they had to take this step.

Jesus had once called 12 men to come alongside Him. They became His followers, observing everything He did. They were like shadows to Him, going where He went, watching and listening to everything He said and did. They were learning much about who Jesus was and what He was sent to do.

And then, the moment came, for them to go.

“And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;” (Mark 6:7)

The next step.

They learned by watching and listening, and now, they had to take that next step and go.
This would require them to step up and do more than just observe. They were now equipped to do the work of Jesus.

They could have worried, I’m sure there were some that did, but it was time and they had to take that next step. They had been given the authority by God to do what needed to be done. The power of Jesus was with them as they went.

We have each been called by God. We come to Him in repentance and faith believing that He will save us from our sins. Being involved in the local church helps us learn more about who Jesus is. Someone comes along and walks with you, showing you how to follow Jesus according to scripture.

And now, it’s time to take that next step. It’s time to step out and begin doing the same for someone else. It’s time to share the gospel with others and show them how to follow Jesus.

This is discipleship.

No matter where you are in your journey with Christ, there is always “the next step”. Are you ready? You’ve been given the power of the Holy Spirit, you need only obey.

Called. Equipped. Sent.

Let’s go!