Today is Saturday 11th January 2025, and while there are many wonderful reasons to celebrate, allow me to humbly take centre stage for just a moment (promise, not too long!). Today marks a special milestone—my 40th birthday! I’m Chrystopher James, founder of Chrystopher James Ministries, and the one behind these daily devotionals. This is an opportunity to thank God for the journey He’s led me on and reflect on the calling He’s placed on my life.
Growing up, my Mum always joked that I was destined for IT; after all, I’m what she calls a ‘binary baby,’ born on the 11th January (11/01) at 11:01 AM. I didn’t think too much about it at the time, but looking back, it’s amazing how God even uses the little details to remind us He’s invested in our story. Since then, I’ve spent years in the IT and digital marketing world, honing my skills and (unknowingly at first) preparing for the ministry He’s now called me into.
I’d love to share a moment from my early childhood that has stayed with me. During a Sunday school session, we were tasked with walking around sheets of paper laid on the floor. The idea was to stop on one we felt drawn to, and the leaders would reveal what it said. To my surprise, I felt pulled to a specific piece of paper—it wasn’t flashy, nothing external seemed to grab my attention—yet my heart knew it was the one. When we turned it over, I was asked to pray for another child who had a back issue.
As I prayed, something happened that I couldn’t explain away. A sensation began in the tip of my middle finger on my right hand, slowly coursing through to my other hand as I prayed with faith. The boy I prayed for jerked unexpectedly, and we later learned he experienced healing in that moment. I was just a child, but in that moment, I knew something undeniably true: God is real, and He works through ordinary people like me to achieve extraordinary things.
That experience planted a seed—a calling to help, encourage, and, by God’s grace, bring healing into people’s lives. Over the years, I’ve used my talents behind the scenes in AV, IT, digital marketing, and even lighting and sound management for amateur theatre productions. But as I celebrate 40 years today, I hear God calling me to step out of the background and into the purpose He’s prepared for me—to fully embrace the calling He’s given me and courageously proclaim His goodness.
So, what about you? Have you ever stopped to reflect on the journey God has taken you on? The way He weaves together even the smallest details of your life to lead you into your purpose? Maybe today is the day to think about what He’s calling you into.
Reflection Verse
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Reflection Question
Where has God already begun preparing you for the next step in your calling? Are there skills, experiences, or passions He’s inviting you to use for His glory?
A Moment to Reflect
Take a moment today to thank God for the journey so far—every triumph, every challenge, every lesson. Then, ask Him to give you the courage to step fully into His plans for you, no matter how bold or unexpected they may feel.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as I celebrate this milestone, I thank You for Your great faithfulness. Thank You for orchestrating every moment of my life, even when I didn’t see it. Help me to embrace Your calling with courage and boldness, and to use every gift and skill You’ve given me for Your glory. May I continue to help, encourage, and bring healing to others through the power of the Holy Spirit at work within me. For readers today, I pray that Your Spirit would stir in their hearts, showing them how wonderfully You’ve designed them to fulfil their unique purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
