As we sat eating dinner discussing, I could feel the weight of reality suffocate me. Truth is, I’ve been feeling it for weeks.
Everywhere I look, every person I talk to, every article I read, reaffirms how deceived, how lost and confused our world is.
When God puts a soft spot in our hearts, he’s preparing us for a calling and a commission, if we’ll accept it.
I just naively thought it would feel good…. or easy.
But he’s sending me to hard places and placed a call on my life that’s overwhelming. If I think about it too long or hard, I want to cry. It feels daunting and all together hopeless; defeated before I’ve even begun.
So for weeks I’m been praying earnestly for direction- for wisdom and discernment – and most of all, comfort for my worried and weary heart.
And then he answered, like he always does.
My bible sat open to Matthew 10 and upon reading the title, I focused in: The harvest hands.
It was Jesus speaking to his twelve disciples directly after commissioning them to go out and make disciples of all men. These were his words of instruction, of encouragement and of hope as they set out; a handbook of how to’s and why’s, if you will.
And like medicine to an aching body, his words soothed and numb my fear.
Don’t begin by travelling to some far off place to convert unbelievers. Don’t try to be dynamic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right in your neighbourhood.
Don’t think you need to fundraise before starting. Travel light. You are the equiptment. Stay modest and content.
When you meet people, be courteous in greeting. If they welcome you, be gentle in conversation. If they don’t, quietly withdraw and leave. Don’t make a scene. It’s of no concern to you now.
This is hazardous work I’m assigning you; like sheep running through a pack of wolves. So don’t call attention to yourselves! Be as inoffensive as a dove.
Don’t be naive. People will smear your reputation and take you to authorities. Without knowing it, they’ve done you good; given you a platform for teaching.
When that happens (not if) don’t worry about what you’ll say. The Holy Spirit will supply the right words.
Because of conviction, people will turn on you; even family. But won’t quit or cave in. It’s not success you’re after but survival!
Be content when they treat you the same as they’ve treated me and don’t be intimidated. Eventually, everyone will know the truth, so don’t hesitate to go public with it now.
Don’t be silent because of threats. Save your fear. God has your entire life in his hands.
Matthew 10 – The Message
I’m no fool to believe it’s only me, friend, because God calls each of us to hard places! He’s equipped each of us uniquely with gifts, to serve and to bless.
So today, in whatever it is you’re facing- in the call God has placed on your life- I pray that together, Jesus’s words would be etched upon our hearts and burned into our mind. Let’s write them on our walls if we have to!
Because the truth is, he’s already answered our every question and given us the information we need.
So let’s not let fear paralyze us any longer or expectations steal our focus. It’s time we take him at his word. It about time we get going!
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Lord, we confess our fear of man and our pride in expectations. We want to do good and be great for you! But the truth is, we’re weak and our ideas are muddled and confused by the world around us and our own selfish desires. Help us to humble ourselves and go where you are calling us, living out your commission and living by your word. Write them on our hearts and etch them in our minds. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, may our lives and our bodies be vessels of life and light – an offering for the greater good. Amen
Seeking Grace 