Global Missions
The Call to Listen and Obey: Navigating Global Missions with the Holy Spirit
In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at crossroads, wondering which path to take. This is especially true when it comes to global missions and fulfilling the Great Commission. But what if the answer lies not in our own understanding, but in our ability to listen and obey the Holy Spirit?
Imagine an ice house in winter, its thick walls preserving large blocks of ice covered in sawdust. A group of men search frantically for a lost watch, but to no avail. Then, a small boy slips in, lies down in the sawdust, and emerges moments later with the watch in hand. His secret? He closed the door, lay still, and simply listened for the ticking.
This simple story illustrates a profound truth: sometimes, to hear God's voice, we need to be still and quiet. In our busy world, constantly filled with noise and distractions, learning to listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance is crucial, especially when it comes to global missions.
Imagine an ice house in winter, its thick walls preserving large blocks of ice covered in sawdust. A group of men search frantically for a lost watch, but to no avail. Then, a small boy slips in, lies down in the sawdust, and emerges moments later with the watch in hand. His secret? He closed the door, lay still, and simply listened for the ticking.
This simple story illustrates a profound truth: sometimes, to hear God's voice, we need to be still and quiet. In our busy world, constantly filled with noise and distractions, learning to listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance is crucial, especially when it comes to global missions.
The Holy Spirit Prevents Us from Going Our Own Way
The book of Acts provides a compelling example of this principle in action. As Paul and his companions set out on their missionary journey, they had a clear plan in mind. However, the Holy Spirit had other ideas. As they traveled through Phrygia and Galatia, they were "forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia." Later, when they attempted to enter Bithynia, "the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them."
At first glance, this might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn't preaching the gospel always a good thing? But this passage reveals a crucial truth: the Holy Spirit sometimes prevents us from going our own way, even when our intentions are good. God's plans are often different from our own, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding.
At first glance, this might seem counterintuitive. After all, isn't preaching the gospel always a good thing? But this passage reveals a crucial truth: the Holy Spirit sometimes prevents us from going our own way, even when our intentions are good. God's plans are often different from our own, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding.
The Holy Spirit Will Lead Us Where We He Wants Us
Instead of becoming frustrated or discouraged, Paul and his team remained open to the Spirit's guidance. Their obedience led them to Troas, where Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." This moment was pivotal, not just for Paul's mission, but for the entire course of Western civilization and the spread of Christianity.
The response of Paul and his team is equally instructive. The scripture tells us that "immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." Their obedience was immediate and unquestioning. They didn't call a committee meeting or debate the pros and cons. They simply obeyed.
The response of Paul and his team is equally instructive. The scripture tells us that "immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." Their obedience was immediate and unquestioning. They didn't call a committee meeting or debate the pros and cons. They simply obeyed.
How Are We Going to Listen?
This account challenges us to examine our own responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's leading. Are we listening? Are we ready to obey, even when it means changing our plans or stepping out of our comfort zones?
The Great Commission - to make disciples of all nations - remains our central mission as followers of Christ. But how we fulfill that mission may look different for each of us. Some are called to go, packing their bags and traveling to distant lands. Others are called to give, supporting those who go with their resources. And all of us are called to pray, interceding for the spread of the gospel and for those on the front lines of mission work.
Importantly, global missions is not an individual endeavor, but a collective one. When a team is sent out from a local church, they go as representatives of the entire body. This means that even if we're not the ones boarding a plane, we're all part of the mission through our prayers, support, and encouragement.
As we consider our role in global missions, we must be prepared to sacrifice. Obedience to the Spirit's leading might cost us time, money, or comfort. But the rewards far outweigh the costs. There's nothing quite like the joy of being used by God to bring His love and truth to others.
The Great Commission - to make disciples of all nations - remains our central mission as followers of Christ. But how we fulfill that mission may look different for each of us. Some are called to go, packing their bags and traveling to distant lands. Others are called to give, supporting those who go with their resources. And all of us are called to pray, interceding for the spread of the gospel and for those on the front lines of mission work.
Importantly, global missions is not an individual endeavor, but a collective one. When a team is sent out from a local church, they go as representatives of the entire body. This means that even if we're not the ones boarding a plane, we're all part of the mission through our prayers, support, and encouragement.
As we consider our role in global missions, we must be prepared to sacrifice. Obedience to the Spirit's leading might cost us time, money, or comfort. But the rewards far outweigh the costs. There's nothing quite like the joy of being used by God to bring His love and truth to others.
How Is the Spirit Leading You?
This account challenges us to examine our own responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's leading. Are we listening? Are we ready to obey, even when it means changing our plans or stepping out of our comfort zones?
The Great Commission - to make disciples of all nations - remains our central mission as followers of Christ. But how we fulfill that mission may look different for each of us. Some are called to go, packing their bags and traveling to distant lands. Others are called to give, supporting those who go with their resources. And all of us are called to pray, interceding for the spread of the gospel and for those on the front lines of mission work.
Importantly, global missions is not an individual endeavor, but a collective one. When a team is sent out from a local church, they go as representatives of the entire body. This means that even if we're not the ones boarding a plane, we're all part of the mission through our prayers, support, and encouragement.
As we consider our role in global missions, we must be prepared to sacrifice. Obedience to the Spirit's leading might cost us time, money, or comfort. But the rewards far outweigh the costs. There's nothing quite like the joy of being used by God to bring His love and truth to others.
The Great Commission - to make disciples of all nations - remains our central mission as followers of Christ. But how we fulfill that mission may look different for each of us. Some are called to go, packing their bags and traveling to distant lands. Others are called to give, supporting those who go with their resources. And all of us are called to pray, interceding for the spread of the gospel and for those on the front lines of mission work.
Importantly, global missions is not an individual endeavor, but a collective one. When a team is sent out from a local church, they go as representatives of the entire body. This means that even if we're not the ones boarding a plane, we're all part of the mission through our prayers, support, and encouragement.
As we consider our role in global missions, we must be prepared to sacrifice. Obedience to the Spirit's leading might cost us time, money, or comfort. But the rewards far outweigh the costs. There's nothing quite like the joy of being used by God to bring His love and truth to others.
Let's Be Sure That We are Listening for the Spirit
It's crucial to remember that we can never share the gospel with the wrong person. Everyone needs Jesus, and we never know how a simple act of obedience might impact someone's eternal destiny. We might plant a seed that someone else waters, or we might be the one to reap where others have sown. Either way, our faithfulness in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ has eternal significance.
For those who haven't yet put their faith in Christ, the first step is to trust in Him as Lord and Savior. It's only through true conversion and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we can hear God's voice and be led by Him in mission.
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to tune our hearts to the leading of the Spirit. Let's be a people who are ready to go, give, and pray as God directs. Let's be still enough to hear His voice, and courageous enough to obey when He calls.
The Great Commission is not optional for followers of Christ. Whether it means getting on a plane to a foreign country or walking across the street to talk to a neighbor, we are all called to participate in making disciples. As we do so, guided by the Holy Spirit, we become part of God's grand narrative of redemption, bringing hope and transformation to a world in need.
May we be like that small boy in the ice house, quiet enough to hear the faintest ticking, and bold enough to follow where it leads. For in listening and obeying, we find ourselves at the heart of God's mission, bringing His kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.
For those who haven't yet put their faith in Christ, the first step is to trust in Him as Lord and Savior. It's only through true conversion and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we can hear God's voice and be led by Him in mission.
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to tune our hearts to the leading of the Spirit. Let's be a people who are ready to go, give, and pray as God directs. Let's be still enough to hear His voice, and courageous enough to obey when He calls.
The Great Commission is not optional for followers of Christ. Whether it means getting on a plane to a foreign country or walking across the street to talk to a neighbor, we are all called to participate in making disciples. As we do so, guided by the Holy Spirit, we become part of God's grand narrative of redemption, bringing hope and transformation to a world in need.
May we be like that small boy in the ice house, quiet enough to hear the faintest ticking, and bold enough to follow where it leads. For in listening and obeying, we find ourselves at the heart of God's mission, bringing His kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.
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