Friday, August 31, 2012

Serving Through Missions (2 Cor. 8:16-24)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Few of us are called to leave our homes and venture out to spread the gospel. In fact, it’s often joked about when we talk about areas of giftedness: “I’ll do anything for You, Lord, but don’t send me to the mission field!”

Full-time missionary workers often give up everything they hold near and dear. They leave their homes, their families, their friends. They go to foreign, often hostile, lands. They’re faced with strange customs, traditions, and foods. They usually don’t make much money and, in fact, are dependent upon others to provide their support.

And they do it earnestly, readily, and diligently. They do “what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of man.”

I have several friends who have listened to God’s voice and His call to full-time missions work. They’d be the first to tell you it can be tough. Some are in countries that are so anti-Christ, they can’t openly share God’s word. Some live in harsh climates. Others work in “regular” jobs as well as perform their missionary duties.

They do this while we sit in comfort in our familiar homes with our familiar things and our familiar friends. So what can we do to help? More than anything, we need to pray for them diligently—much more diligently than we probably do. We need to lift them up daily to God’s throne, praying for protection, strength, and provision. And if possible, we need to support them financially.

Because while not all of us are called to the mission field, all of us are called to pray for our brothers and sisters, including those who serve—both here and abroad.

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