What does God say about our work as His children?  Is there an imperative for us?  Jesus has commanded us all in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15 to go and make disciples in "all the world." We are all called to Go for Jesus.  So the first step is a willingness to go wherever He wants you to serve.

 

As His servants we must say, “Lord, in obedience to your command, I am willing to go where you send me.”  From this point the Holy Spirit will begin moving you and your circumstances.  He will literally “open doors no man can shut” (Revelation 3:7).

 

We have found that the “Where” is secondary.  Our willingness to go has always led to a perfect where -just where He wanted us.  Going for Jesus does not necessarily mean going far away. As well, it may not mean near. We must be prepared to go near or far, wherever He chooses.  We have served across the world in many countries; we have served at home (NYC 9/11/01 and Katrina 2005).  In every event, He has perfectly led us to the task He chose.

 

So what are some practical steps to obeying Jesus' command to go?

1.       Daily reading of God’s Word- He will speak to you through the Word, preparing and encouraging you.  Daily study is critical.  King David said, “ I desire your Word more than my daily bread.”  It is the same for you and me.  You read Jesus’ commands to his disciples and listeners.  You observe lives of faith lived by Abraham, David, Daniel, Paul and others.  All these things described in God’s Word will help you know what to do.

2.       Attend regularly a Bible-teaching church—not a social gathering but a group of believers reading, discussing and teaching the Bible.  You will know it when you find it.  Your spirit will be full when you leave.  You will feel like part of the family of God.  You will learn the Bible and how to serve and love sacrificially.  You will become strong for God’s service.  Be committed.  Stay and serve over a long time period.

3.       Seek advice from mature Christians.  Find someone, usually of the same gender, who has been a believer for a long time.  Often this is the pastor of your group or church.  It can also be a church leader, family member or older friend.  Let them know your dream or vision.

   DEFINITION  Vision: A future picture in my heart and mind of what I believe God wants me to do.

Mature believers provide Scriptural knowledge and experience to aid your seeking.  You benefit from their lives of faith.  They help you be objective as you consider how and where you will serve God, how your personal vision will happen.

 

As you do these things, God will reveal His job for you.  It will happen without striving to convince people that they should support you or that you are the best person for the mission.   God himself will choose and send you.  We see this with Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13:2 where the Holy Spirit says, “Now separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  It will be the same for you!

 

Be faithful in whatever God sets before you, even if it is a lowly or unpopular task.  Sweeping a floor, washing dishes and caring for kids are great ways to learn faithfulness. “He that is greatest among you is the servant of all.”  God will raise you up just like He did Gideon!

 

We are standing by to help you or your church through this Holy Spirit-led process.  We have helped hundreds just like you to find the vision and walk into it.  It is truly the greatest adventure possible for a human being.  We pray God’s grace on you as you seek Him and find His path of service prepared for you before the heavens came to being (Ephesians 2:10)!