ON ASSIGNMENT
21st Oct 2026
In the letter Peter wrote to believers across Western Asia, he says he is an apostle on assignment from Jesus. He is describing himself to the exiles, so how would you or I describe ourselves?
An apostle is a sent one, given authority to carry out a given task. In John 21, Jesus tells Peter to feed the lambs and sheep belonging to Him. When he writes this letter, he has faithfully done this for a long time; now an old man respected as a leader in the Church, he continues to direct and encourage believers.
I love the statement, “An apostle on assignment”. So straightforward, so clear. I ask myself, “What have I been called to do?” “What is my assignment?” I’m called to be filled with God’s Holy Spirit, to let Him change me so Jesus can be seen living in me, doing what He wants through me as I listen to His voice. I seek to deny myself so that in every area of life Jesus can be seen and heard. I am a work in progress, seeking to be changed moment by moment.
I was pondering this and saw how clearly Peter’s commission is recorded in 1 Peter 1, and I was reminded of Jesus’ words, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” This led me to think about what my friends and acquaintances need to hear. What do I give to them as I pray and speak? I then asked, “What do they need to hear from heaven?” “What do You want to give them as I pray?”
I brought before the Lord a lady who is not yet a believer and felt Jesus direct me to pray that she would receive His gift of peace, as spoken by Jesus in John 14:27. I had been praying for her in general terms, asking for her salvation, but I was now challenged to pray specifically that she would receive the peace Jesus offers her and that I would have the opportunity to have a conversation with her about it. Continuing with this will radically focus the way I pray.
I’m going to be asking Jesus to show me, “What does this person need?” “What word do You desire to give them?” - and then pray that specific word over them until they receive it. Ask the Lord to clarify your assignment and release joy as you pursue it.
You are alive for a purpose; find it and pursue it, filled with God’s Holy Spirit, to release power and see Him at work through you.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
