Devotional/Discussion thought of the day:

Fifteen hours from now, I will board a airplane and head west…into tomorrow.

When I get to my destination, I will get to meet with Christians, to preach and teach and hear how God is with these people in a land foreign to me.

Have to admit – while I am looking forward to the experience, I also have a bit of trepidation, and more a sense of “why me”.   Some of you know that feeling, when God brings you to a place that you aren’t quite comfortable with, that you do not feel perfectly equipped for, that you think – “can’t God find someone…. better, someone wiser, someone more trained and equipped, someone more charismatic, or.. just someone else!”

I have heard all the cliche’s, (and unfortunately, ashamedly,  used them once or twice…)  You know the “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called” type of nonsense.  God knows what He is doing, of that I have no doubt, but we are trained, our lives have come to these moments, and the Spirit is working in us.  Yet…. the trepidation still remains.

In such times – it is good to look at those that went forth with the gospel in scripture.  (Ignoring the obvious fact that in the Old Testament most of them were killed…. and in the New Testament… yeah…same problem)  Paul writes often of the partnership he had with those who prayed for him.

Ephesians 6:19 (ESV) ¹⁹ and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, (don’t look at the next verse… okay – at least I won’t.)

Colossians 4:3-4 (ESV) ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (ESV) ¹ Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, (again, the next verse… well uhm…yeah – don’t look!)

And of course, as I did my usual light reading this morning at the end of devotions, I came across:

664      During a war, the courage of the soldiers facing the enemy would be of little use if there were not others who seem to take no part in the struggle but who supply the fighting men with armaments and food and medicines… Without the prayer and sacrifice of many souls there would be no genuine apostolate of action. (1)

In a real way, you are that supply line for me, you are those whose prayers are as much part of my mission trip, as anything I do, anything I bring.  Knowing that some of you are praying will remind me of Christ’s work in us, and prayerfully, in the people I minister to. So, obviously, I am asking for your prayers, to still my soul, to help me reflect God’s love, to be able to do what Paul and  Isaiah described so well:

 ²⁷ To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. ²⁹ For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:27-29 (ESV)

 ⁴ The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught. Isaiah 50:4 (ESV)

May these things, be true of my ministry overseas during the next 2 weeks… and may God’s grace be evident – with you, as well as with them.

Thanks for the prayers!

(1)  Escriva, Josemaria (2011-01-31). The Forge (Kindle Locations 2442-2445). Scepter Publishers. Kindle Edition.