Would you go anywhere with Jesus? Many of us might enthusiastically sing, “All to Jesus I surrender” or “I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.” We might even believe it sincerely.
But we often forget all the places Jesus goes.
When we go where Jesus goes, we may find there are some places we go that we would rather not. When we get in an uncomfortable spot, we often see ourselves as victims and beg Jesus for deliverance.
We see our unfortunate circumstances as obstacles to our being able to get on with our mission of spreading the gospel.
But what if the “unfortunate circumstances” are part of God’s Divine Appointment for us? What if we are being sent to the hospital, nursing home, prison, funeral home, streets, etc to bring God’s Light and Love to people we might never have met any other way?
What if our purpose is not only bringing Light, but actually experiencing what others are experiencing?
We often keep a safe distance between ourselves and those who suffer.
We don’t like to consider that we might fall victim to the same suffering. We hate the feeling of powerlessness that reminds us we are not God and we cannot “fix” everything according to our formula.
And so as we dispense good cheer, we stand a comfortable distance away. Paul encouraged us to
“Help carry each other’s burdens. In this way you will follow Christ’s teachings.”
Galatians 6:2
Jesus got close. He lived in a human body. He chose to experience what we experience. He was tempted as we are. He carried our diseases.
He is living inside us right now going through whatever we are going through with us, every step of the way.
Some of the greatest lessons of my life have come through times of suffering. Some came when I suffered. Some came through the faithful witness to me from those who were suffering.
Paul, the great missionary, told of his experience with suffering. He asked The Lord to take away some things he felt were hindering him. God would not do it.
But He told me: “My Grace is all you need. My Power is strongest when you are weak.”
So, Paul said, “I will boast even more about my weaknesses in order that Christ’s Power will live in me.
Therefore, I accept weakness, mistreatment, hardship, persecution, and difficulties suffered for Christ. It’s clear that when I’m weak, I’m strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
We are always on the mission field with Jesus. Wherever our journey takes us, He is at work. And we can be humbly honored that He has chosen to take us with Him.
Look around you in every circumstance for the opportunities to receive His Light and share it with others.
Jesus said, “I am The Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will have a life filled with Light and will never live in the dark.”
John 8:12
Jesus said, “You are Light for the world. ..let your Light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
Do all for The Glory of God!
1 Corinthians 10:31
