Sometimes the waterline breaks and you find yourself covered in mud fixing it in a downpour. Sometimes all the kids have a challenging day and you can’t seem to organize any type of an activity. Sometimes the barge skips the island and all the shelves are super empty and another storm is on the way. Sometimes the van gets a flat tire right when you need to pick kids up from school.
Sometimes the discomfort of trying to do things gets to be a lot. Welcome to mission work.
In our pursuit of a comfortable and convenient life, we often shy away from discomfort and difficulties. However, as believers, we are called to live in the world but not be of it. Jesus has promised to walk alongside us, never giving us more than we can handle. It is in these challenging moments that we discover the true depth of our faith and the Jesus-sized support He provides.
Stepping Into the Fire:
Jesus never promised a life free from trials, but He did promise to be with us through them. Sometimes, He calls us to step into the fire, to face the lions, and to fight against the giants in our lives. These challenges may seem overwhelming, but when we trust in Jesus and rely on His strength, we can find courage to persevere. Embracing discomfort becomes an opportunity to witness His faithfulness and experience His power working within us.
The Void Only Jesus Can Fill:
As humans, we often seek solace in temporary and superficial sources to fill the void within us. Whether it be food, exercise, gossip, shopping, or other distractions, these things provide temporary relief but fail to address the deeper longing of our souls. Jesus alone is the answer. He calls us to come to Him, and in His presence, we find peace, joy, and fulfillment that surpasses all understanding. When we make Jesus our primary source of support, we experience His sufficient grace and boundless love overflowing in our lives.
Overcoming Obstacles:
Sharing Jesus with others is a noble and challenging calling. There will be obstacles and distractions that try to detour us from our mission. It is crucial to keep our eyes fixed on the author and perfecter of our faith, Jesus Himself. He is the source of our strength and the example we look too as we navigate through opposition. By remaining steadfast and unwavering in our devotion to Him, we become effective witnesses and missionaries, impacting our communities with the transformative power of the Gospel.
Living a life dedicated to Jesus is not always easy, but it is undoubtedly worth it. Embracing discomfort and facing challenges head-on allow us to grow in faith and experience the depth of Jesus' love and support. As we navigate through the trials, we must remember that Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us. He is the source of our strength, our refuge in times of trouble, and the ultimate victor over every obstacle we face. Let us embrace the call to be missionaries for Jesus, sharing His love, and pointing others towards the eternal hope and joy found in Him. Through the good bad and sometimes ugly days.