Live Missionally
When the Going Gets Tough
We all experience moments in life when we feel like “throwing in the towel.” The world says, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” but what we need to remember is, “when the going gets tough, God remains faithful!”
When the going gets tough, God provides:
1. Like-minded, missional friends (vs. 1-4)
- God never intended us to live missionally, advancing the gospel, on our own (cf. Lk. 10:1; Heb. 10:24-25)
- We are stronger and more effective when we live on mission for Christ with Godly companionship (cf. Eccl. 4:9-10)
- Godly friends give strength and encouragement to continue, even when the going gets tough (cf. Gal. 6:2; 1 Thess. 5:11)
Do you intentionally look for and seek out friendship with like-minded, missional believers, or are you choosing to live dangerously, keeping to yourself? Are you a friend who uses all that God has blessed you with to encourage others and to spur them on to live missionally? Do you let your like-minded, missional friends know that you appreciate them?
2. New opportunities and unexpected fruitfulness (vs. 5-8)
- As Christ’s ambassadors, we need to leverage our vocations with integrity and let our light shine before others (cf. Mt. 5:14-16)
- When we give missionally, we are investing in new opportunities for people to hear the gospel (cf. Mt. 6:19-20; 1 Cor. 15:58)
- New opportunities bring the potential for increased opposition, but also the joy of unexpected fruitfulness
Are you actively serving and sacrificially giving to ensure that Calvary is accomplishing our mission to enable everyone to become a fully devoted disciple of Christ? Are you alert and watching, taking advantage of new opportunities to share the good news of the gospel? By faith, be an obedient witness and celebrate by giving God all the glory when He gives you unexpected fruitfulness.
3. His personal assurance through His promises (vs. 9-17)
- The Lord knows our thoughts from afar and knows what we need before we even ask (cf. Ps. 139:2; Mt. 6:8)
- The Lord’s promise of His presence with us distinguishes us as His ambassadors, and makes all the difference in our effort to obediently proclaim the gospel (cf. Mt. 28:18-20)
- It may seem tough to witness in our immoral society, but know that God is actively preparing the hearts of people (e.g. Cornelius Acts 10)
Are you fearful of sharing the gospel? “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.” The Lord our God is with us!
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