Matthew 28:19 states, “Go therefore and make disciples of ALL nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
When Jesus says “Go” you better get up and go. He never once said ministry is only for people that have 4 years of college, 2 years of seminary, and at least 3-5 years of experience in the mission field. We all have a mission field and we are all called to serve Him. Are you fulfilling your calling?
If you look back in Matthew chapter 4 you’ll see that Jesus called the common man to follow Him. Throughout the entire book of Matthew, Jesus called upon fishermen, tax collectors, and other ordinary men to follow Him. The thing that I find crazy is that when He looked at them and said, “Follow Me” the men never asked Him where they were going. I am the type of person that likes to know details about where I’m going, what I’m doing, and who is going to be there. To be honest, I’m a little OCD when it comes to planning. This is where faith is put to the test. Do you always know where you are going in life?
Where do you see yourself in a 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?
Do you really know?
When my husband first surrendered to the ministry we did what any job hunter would do, we went to google and searched for jobs. Of course we spent time in prayer seeking the Lord’s will but we knew we had to do something if we wanted to serve. Sitting around twirling our thumbs was getting us nowhere. After a few weeks of waiting, he got a call from a church in OKLAHOMA! I don’t know about you but Oklahoma is not my ideal dream vacation spot. Sorry Oklahoma fans.
When Dustin received the call, we were in shock. Were we ready to move? Was this even real? Struggling with the idea of moving, we hit our knees and said “Lord, you know better than we do, send us to serve if it be your will.” That was one of the hardest prayers I’ve ever prayed. My life has always been in South Carolina. On top of that, my parents have lived in the same house since the day I was born and my family is very close. My sister lives 3 miles from house, my sister in law lives 5 miles away. My parents live 10 minutes away and my mother in law lives the furthest away from me at a total of maybe 20 minutes. Right now, we are in our comfort zone. I love South Carolina and I love my home. But in my heart I knew that if God had a plan for my family to move, He would see us through every step of the way. Wherever He lead, we were ready to follow.
After prayer, we spent a few hours on the phone with the church leaders and even more time researching the church and the area. We had 3 Skype interviews and multiple conversations with leaders and directors at the church. We even looked up the housing market and tried to figure out how we would move with a baby on the way 18 hours from what we had always considered “home.” It was terrifying to think we were actually going to do this. Yet God gave me peace in knowing that He would see us through whatever may come about. As scared as I was, my faith kept me grounded and gave me comfort. Every day as I searched for homes and prepared for a possible move I had to step back and let God take the lead.
Time would tell that this was not where God wanted us to be; however, it was a growing experience for both of us. It was a chance for us to see how strong our faith truly was. Were we ready for true surrender no matter the cost?
If God told you to go somewhere today, what would you do? What would hold you back?
Whatever is holding you back is being put in front of Jesus Christ. As you know, anything you place above Jesus Christ is considered an idol.
“He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39
I’m not telling that you that it’s wrong to love your family or your home, but do you love them more than Jesus Christ?
Keep in mind that this is not our home. We are just passing through.
If you would find it hard to follow Christ wherever He calls you, I challenge you to prioritize your life and take a step back. Realize this is not your home and turn your focus on Christ above. Let God lead your life and have faith that He will see you through each day.
Weekly Challenge: Make a list of things that get in the way of your bible study. What’s holding you back from your true potential with Christ? Refocus your eyes on what matters most, Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2