There is a weight to following God’s call regardless of what the call is. We have been in many situations that have required this realization. But now I am coming to another, deeper understanding of it all. As we prepared for the Baltic Sea mission trip our incredible church had a time of prayer for us. This was a monumental mission, going into Baltic countries and sharing Christ through the songs of the Singing Men of North Central Texas http://www.smonct.wordpress.com and the evangelistic words of Michael Gott. Eight gatherings in six countries over the course of eleven days, traveling in a beautiful (but small) antique exploration vessel.
We were prepared for the task to come with challenges, which it did. We were also prepared for God to move in mighty ways, which He did!
This first post is short but so extremely necessary because it is the anchor to everything we do. The personal prayer and surrender that went into the preparation for this trip were vital. However, for this mission more than any other we have ever been on (aside from Russia in the late 80’s), we enlisted more prayer partners than ever before. It seemed a requirement in our very soul. So when I received this photo from a dear friend in our church, the tears flowed freely. I am so thankful for these people of Northside Baptist Church; my church. I am so thankful for the hundreds of friends of ours across the country and fellow ministry partners who sent words of encouragement and told us they would be praying. As you read the posts over the next few days you will see how much those payers were needed.
Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
So here is my first lesson from the Baltic Sea. We should be in prayer for each other just like this every single day! As Christians, we are called to love God, and love others. Matthew 22:37-40.We are called to make disciples everywhere we go; as we walk, as we stand, as we sit, as we lie down. Deutoronomy 6:6-7 Our mission is not just in foreign places. Our mission is in our homes, our workplaces, our social gatherings, and everywhere in between. Sometimes in our own home or across our own streets are the biggest mission fields we will ever face. And yes, this is a monumental task!
Every morning when we wake up, we must look at the day ahead with the same expectation as we did every morning on the Baltic Sea. God, what are you going to do today and how can I be a part of it? Every day we are on mission. Every day begins with prayer, study, and surrender. Every day we should be extending our hands and praying over each other; prayers to be bold and to be used by God in any way He needs – to reach more people for His kingdom.
Enlist prayer partners for yourself. Let them know the tasks that God has called you to. Then let others know that you are praying for them. Gone are the days of only praying for healing or other problems. Yes, those are an important part of our prayers. But what if we begin praying for the daily walk of our brother and sisters in Christ? What if we begin praying for their calling “today” to be made clear and for them to have the power of God to accomplish it?
May we always be in a mindset of prayer. May it be an ongoing conversation with God that never ceases as we go through our day. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Go with God!
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