1 Corinthians 7:17 (ESV) — Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.

At the end of Basic Training, there is a day when soldiers receive their “orders” that outline where they are going to go serve after graduation. This assignment will send them somewhere around the country or world to execute the job they’ve been trained to do. It is an exciting day. Everyone is wondering where they will go and who in the class could possibly go with them. This assignment is chosen by the Army. The responsibility of the soldier is to go to that assignment and to fulfill their role they’ve received training to execute. 

This leads us to our text today. Paul writes to the church in Corinth about their assignment. The assignment he is referring to is God’s assignment for their lives. He says, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.” Each person’s life is made and purposed by God. We exist by and for His will and purposes. When the Lord creates our lives, He does so with a purpose in mind. Paul says that each of us should lead the life the Lord has assigned to us and which God has called us. 

Do you know your assignment? What is the calling God has given you? 

The answers can vary and have multiple facets to them. I’m assigned the roles of being a husband, father, pastor, and leader. I have many other assignments included in that, and outside of those things. But for me to lead the life that I’m assigned by God is to fulfill those roles faithfully. That happens as I look to God and trust God each day. We all need help to lead the life God has assigned us, so we should seek that help from Him each day. But the goal of today’s devotion is to marvel at the reality that your life is purposed by God. There is a life assigned to you by God. He has plans and purposes for you. 

Ask God to help make it clear to you, and then lead the life you are assigned today.

Reflection & Journal: 
- What does today’s passage tell us about God’s purpose and plans for creating us? 
- What are some assignments that the Lord has called you to fulfill? 
- How can you ask the Lord and seek His help each day to lead the life He’s called you to?