Remember in Matthew 10 when Jesus sent out the 12 disciples? He had been with them, they had been with Him. He mentored them and poured into them all in preparation for field work. That was always the plan. Jesus came to save the world and His strategy was to use His people to spread the message. This is the same concept as network marketing. I tell 12 friends and then those 12 each tell 12, and those 12 and so on and so on. You get the picture. Sounds easy enough doesn't it?
There are a couple of things to remember, Jesus told His disciples in verse 16 of Matthew 10: "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves". Oh, that's nice to hear. "I don't recall hearing this during the interview process.", surely the disciples had second thoughts. They had just recently freaked out when Jesus fell asleep on the boat and they were sure they would drown. Now they were going out, alone, to do the work of ministry and before they leave Jesus says this. Can you imagine the disciples? Hey, Jesus, I think I am more suited for office work. Field work is not my thing!
But, you know our lives are like field work too. We are just as opposed as they were back then. The world, the flesh and the devil are all alive and well. But God's promises still hold true. He is with us even until the end of the age. He told us this right after he gave us marching orders. (Matt. 28) God does not call the equipped, he equips the called. What we bring to the table is not a great skill set but rather a willing and obedient heart, determined to fulfill God's will in our lives. I am praying that you pursue that this week.
God, help us to have our hearts set on following you this week. I pray for opportunities to share the gospel of Christ and the courage to act on those opportunities. I thank you that even though you send us out like sheep among wolves, your Holy Spirit is within us, protecting, leading, guiding and equipping us to do the work of ministry. Help us to be effective in telling others. Amen.
Waiting on Him,
ML
