Anointed for a Purpose: Embracing God's Call in the New Year

As we step into a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on our purpose and seeking direction for the months ahead. What if this year could be different? What if we could tap into a divine anointing that would empower us to live out our true calling?

The concept of being "anointed" might sound lofty or reserved for spiritual leaders, but the truth is far more inclusive and exciting. To be anointed simply means to be chosen, consecrated, and empowered for God's purposes. It's not about a select few – it's an invitation extended to every believer.

At the heart of this calling lies a powerful prophecy from Isaiah 61:1-3:

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."

These words, spoken centuries before Jesus' birth, became known as the "Nazareth Manifesto" when Christ himself read them in the synagogue, declaring, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:21). In that moment, Jesus was not only announcing his own mission but inviting his followers to participate in a divine purpose that continues to this day.

So what does it mean for us to be anointed in our everyday lives?

First and foremost, it means recognizing that "the Spirit of the Lord is upon us." We are not left to our own devices or limited by our own strength. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us through the Holy Spirit. As the apostle Paul urges in Ephesians 5:18, we are to "be filled with the Spirit" rather than being controlled by worldly influences.

Imagine yourself as a sponge, not dry and brittle, but saturated with the presence of God. When life's pressures squeeze you, what overflows is not bitterness or despair, but the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

This anointing isn't just for our personal benefit. We inherit Christ's mission to bring good news, healing, freedom, and restoration to a broken world. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 charges us to "go and make disciples of all nations," teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. This calling isn't reserved for those who have it all figured out – even the disciples who doubted were included in this mandate.

So how do we live out this anointed purpose? It starts with recognizing the spheres of influence God has already placed us in. Your family, workplace, community, and social circles are not accidents – they are divine appointments. You have been strategically positioned to be a bearer of good news in those spaces.

Consider who God might be calling you to pray for this year. Who are the people in your life who need to experience the hope, freedom, and restoration that only Christ can bring? Commit to intentionally seeking opportunities to share Jesus' love with them, trusting that God will be with you every step of the way.

Living an anointed life also means embracing a posture of complete dependence on God. The act of anointing with oil, as mentioned in James 5 for healing, symbolizes our trust in God's power and provision. It's a tangible reminder that we are set apart for His purposes, not our own.

As we step into this new year, let's take inspiration from John Wesley's powerful Covenant Prayer:

"I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven."

This prayer captures the essence of what it means to live an anointed life – a life fully surrendered to God's will and purposes. It's a challenging prayer to truly mean, but imagine the transformation that could occur if we embraced this level of commitment.

As we begin this new year, let's not ignore the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Instead, let's lean into the anointing God offers us. Whether you find yourself in seasons of plenty or want, success or struggle, know that you have been chosen and empowered for a greater purpose.

Your anointing isn't dependent on your perfection or your past. It's a gift freely given by a God who sees your potential and longs to work through you. So step out in faith, knowing that the Spirit of the Lord is upon you. You are anointed to bring good news, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom, and to offer comfort to those who mourn.

This year, may you walk in the confidence of your divine calling. May you be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit, allowing His power to work through you in ways you never thought possible. And may you discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life anointed for God's purposes.