You Are a Missionary
When you think of missions or missionary, what comes to
mind? You probably picture a person heading into the darkest jungles of Africa
or sneaking through the streets of Vietnam. Maybe you picture people headed
into China or the Philippines on mission’s trips to share the Word and build
homes or churches.
However, did you realize that you are called to be a
missionary? You are called to mission work just as much as those who travel outside
of the country to share the love of God. You are called to be a missionary
right where you are.
You may think it’s crazy and that can’t be the truth. Maybe
you think I’ve lost my marbles and that mission work is for someone else
entirely.
Hear me out. Missions work is for everyone. Whether you’re
in high school walking the halls between classes or sitting at a desk working,
you’re called to missions.
In the first chapter of Acts, Christ is talking with the
disciples before He ascends to Heaven. In Acts 1:8 He says:
“But you will receive
power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and
you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
ends of the earth.”
Let’s break that down to make it applicable to our lives
today.
Jerusalem – This is
our sphere of influence, where we are every single day of our lives. This is
your family in your own home, your extended family,
and friends. This is your neighborhoods and community. You have the opportunity
to share the gospel with them wherever you are. Your Jerusalem is where you are
right now and in your daily life.
Judea and Samaria – This
is further out from your home and community. This could be the next town over
or another state you’re sharing the light with others. Go beyond your comfort
zone and reach out to the hurting and lost that you don’t know personally. Yes,
it’s scary. Believe me, I totally understand that shock and fear that runs
through your veins when you think of stopping and praying with someone you don’t
know or sharing your testimony in front of strangers. When I was asked to share
my testimony at a recent community event, it was frightening. However, I also
felt God leading me to start sharing more and that someone needs to hear it. Don’t
let fear stop what God wants to do with you. You're
never alone as He’s always by your side.
Ends of the Earth – You
can have an effect on people around the world. You can do this through your
giving to missions, prayers for those in the field, and even maybe take a mission’s
trip yourself some time. There are many
opportunities each year to go on a trip to assist with outreach and missions.
It doesn’t even have to be out of the country. The U.S. is a large mission
field in itself. It can be something such as heading to areas that have been
damaged and helping to rebuild or going on a trip to an area that needs the
love of Christ to shine through.
Consider the butterfly effect. This is an idea that small
causes can have a much bigger impact than you might think. You might also think
of a ripple in the water. As you drop a stone in the water the ripples get
bigger and bigger as they travel out on the water. What you do today will have
an effect on someone later down the road.
So, remember, you’re called to missions. You’re called to be
a light into the darkness where you are. You can help out at an event in your
community, pray with someone you meet, or just share your testimony one on one
with someone who needs to hear about the life-changing
power that Christ brings.
Remember Acts 1:8, you will receive power to be witnesses. God’s
got your back. Go out today and change your Jerusalem, Judea or Samaria for Christ!
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