For the sake of the Kingdom
I know a couple of families with the calling to spread the Gospel in other countries. I receive regular newsletters from them giving me a glimpse into their daily lives. Sometimes I’m left speechless, wondering how they can ever survive there. In most cases circumstances are such that they have just enough to survive and in some cases their lives may even be in danger.
Then I wonder if I would’ve survived in those circumstances?
Paul’s circumstances weren’t very different. 11Much of the time we don’t have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living.
Sometimes I wonder if the missionaries understood what God wanted and whether it is worth struggling like that in order to survive. But I also realize that if it was not for them, the Gospel would never have reached there and many people would’ve missed out. If not for Paul who was prepared to sacrifice everything to proclaim God’s Word, how very different the world would’ve been? If not for the missionaries struggling in Hungary, Russia, Panama, Africa, etc., so many people would never have had the opportunity to meet their Saviour.
I learn a lot from these missionaries. I learn that I have to be extremely grateful for the circumstances in which I find myself. I realize that my gratitude must drive me, wherever I am, to live in such a way that others will see Christ the Saviour. I must learn to be tolerant and be the least for the sake of the Gospel. Like Paul and the others: 13When they call us names, we say, “God bless you.” When they spread rumours about us, we put in a good word for them. We’re treated like garbage, or potato peels from the kitchen.
I take my hat off to Paul and all those others who remained upright in the storm. I learn a lot from them. I realise that I complain far too much with a white bread under each arm. As soon as something small is missing somewhere, we quickly throw our toys out of the cot.
We are so privileged, although we often think we are last in line. Actually we have so much more than others. We must recognize that and be grateful. We don’t have to live a life under pressure all the time and our lives aren’t in danger, and that is why we have to work hard in God’s Kingdom wherever we live. Just think how many people are missing out, because we aren’t willing or too embarrassed to live for God.
Let’s work with the people who have a calling to spread the Gospel in far away countries. Let’s intercede with God on their behalf. Let’s support them, even if it costs money. Let’s be grateful with all our hearts for what Jesus has done for us on the cross and live it. Let’s learn about tolerance and turn the other cheek like the missionaries, because the sacrifice is so much smaller than the gain in the Kingdom of God.
Reflection
How much do you sacrifice for God’s Kingdom?
Where can you work in God’s Kingdom?
Where can you support the people working in God’s Kingdom?
Have a great week!
Gerjo Ben
Then I wonder if I would’ve survived in those circumstances?
Paul’s circumstances weren’t very different. 11Much of the time we don’t have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living.
Sometimes I wonder if the missionaries understood what God wanted and whether it is worth struggling like that in order to survive. But I also realize that if it was not for them, the Gospel would never have reached there and many people would’ve missed out. If not for Paul who was prepared to sacrifice everything to proclaim God’s Word, how very different the world would’ve been? If not for the missionaries struggling in Hungary, Russia, Panama, Africa, etc., so many people would never have had the opportunity to meet their Saviour.
I learn a lot from these missionaries. I learn that I have to be extremely grateful for the circumstances in which I find myself. I realize that my gratitude must drive me, wherever I am, to live in such a way that others will see Christ the Saviour. I must learn to be tolerant and be the least for the sake of the Gospel. Like Paul and the others: 13When they call us names, we say, “God bless you.” When they spread rumours about us, we put in a good word for them. We’re treated like garbage, or potato peels from the kitchen.
I take my hat off to Paul and all those others who remained upright in the storm. I learn a lot from them. I realise that I complain far too much with a white bread under each arm. As soon as something small is missing somewhere, we quickly throw our toys out of the cot.
We are so privileged, although we often think we are last in line. Actually we have so much more than others. We must recognize that and be grateful. We don’t have to live a life under pressure all the time and our lives aren’t in danger, and that is why we have to work hard in God’s Kingdom wherever we live. Just think how many people are missing out, because we aren’t willing or too embarrassed to live for God.
Let’s work with the people who have a calling to spread the Gospel in far away countries. Let’s intercede with God on their behalf. Let’s support them, even if it costs money. Let’s be grateful with all our hearts for what Jesus has done for us on the cross and live it. Let’s learn about tolerance and turn the other cheek like the missionaries, because the sacrifice is so much smaller than the gain in the Kingdom of God.
Reflection
How much do you sacrifice for God’s Kingdom?
Where can you work in God’s Kingdom?
Where can you support the people working in God’s Kingdom?
Have a great week!
Gerjo Ben