Will you allow past fear or doubt, circumstances or cares, to rip your aspirations from the reserves of your heart, to be a minister of the Gospel? Will you allow limitations, whether physical, financial, or relational to douse the flame of desire to serve Him? Will you enable the enemy to be victorious in his quest to stifle the spread of the Gospel? If your spirit is crying out, “NO” then an Everyday Missionary might be reading this Blog entry.
The Bible is replete with examples of men and women, no different than you or I, who were called and equipped to spread the Gospel. We discover the quiet faith of Mary and the outrageously bold approach of Peter and Paul. We discover in our readings the timid failures of Jonah and the mighty successes of Moses. Jehoshaphat’s service in the midst of fear and turmoil inspire those reading of his reliance upon a Mighty God. Little David’s faith-filled attack on a daunting giant served as a message to the Philistines that the Living God was definitely in control at that battle.
Flesh and blood. Bones and brains. These notable Biblical examples of humans engaged in the work of the Father are no different than the work that we can achieve for God’s Kingdom. Each of us was created by Heavenly Hands. Each of us was placed on this earth with a Heavenly mandate and plan for our lives. The difference being that Paul, David, Mary, and unnamed contemporary servants through the ages were led and directed by God. They sought Him and His ways – not their own ways. They sought obedience and deliverance in their own lives. They were well aware of their own personal weaknesses, yet believed in God enough to trust Him to make up for their own shortcomings.
Am I talking to anyone here? Has the enemy captivated your mind and told you over and over that you are not smart enough, good enough, influential enough, or Godly enough to do God’s Work? If we had the opportunity to talk to notable people from the Bible or missionaries working around the globe, I envision that each one would tell us that in and of themselves, they are nothing. The words, skills, teachings, and abilities that equip and enable them to share the Gospel are from God alone. Everyday Missionaries are no different – by asking, God will deposit the Holy Spirit in our lives and as He deposits His power, words, and abilities in each of our lives, we are equipped to serve.
Inward inspections of our own lives might reveal an Everyday Missionary who has served valiantly for the cause of the cross or a weak-kneed but Spirit-filled believer in need of prompting. If we need prompting to move forward to spread the Gospel – we need to trust God. We need to ask God for boldness and empowerment through the Holy Spirit to deliver the message of salvation to a stranger or our nearest and dearest relative.
Reading such faith-packed accounts of ordinary human beings who were touched and moved by the extraordinary hand of God allows us to imagine ourselves in their shoes. If just for a moment, we are transported to places and times throughout history where God called and man responded. Obedience overcomes doubts. Shaking knees are strengthened by His presence. Men and women of the Bible, as well as those who have walked more recently on our earth, serve as mentors to each of us. Their shortcomings and successes both illustrate the mighty works God can perform through a simple life. The call comes and the answer is given. “Will you follow me?” Moses, concerned about his faltering speech, remained obedient and God’s Hand touched Moses’ mouth and His words flowed forth.
Is your heart thumping with anticipation? Is the Spirit-generated truth that each of us can be an Everyday Missionary being birthed and taking root in our hearts? We realize that throughout time, missionaries have not been superior beings. They have been simple, ordinary people like you and me who have yielded to the power, protection, provision, and anointing of Almighty God. They have been able to leave all (Abraham) for the cause of Christ. They have traveled far and ministered close to home. Their lives and ministries have even changed hearts within the confines of their own homes. They have served and saved lives while on the mountaintop times of their lives and when they were broken to pieces in the valleys of life’s journeys. No matter their lots in life, men and women throughout time have answered the Call. They have witnessed. Their lives became intertwined with the lives of those crossing their path, living under their roofs, or walking beside them on a dusty trail or urban street. Everyday missionaries just need to be obedient, willing, courageous, and listeners to His Word and to His Spirit.
The call has been given. Examples have been placed before us. God’s Word and daily lives record the amazing accomplishments an average man, woman, or child’s life can make. Power-packed careers, lives, and opportunities exist. By today’s measuring rod of excellence, rarely does ministering the Gospel to the lost catapult us to the top of any “Top” lists of power, success, wealth, or status. Yet, on God’s to-do list for the saved and sanctified believer, ministering to a lost and hurting world is not only necessary but also mandatory. Reflect upon these words of the Great Commission and begin the life of an Everyday Missionary!
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).
