Pray for more workers!
“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:37-38 NLT
The classic lesson here is that we ought to be prepared to be the answer to our own prayers! In the following chapter we see Jesus sending out his twelve disciples to announce that the Kingdom of Heaven is near, heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. (10:7-8)
But what do we think of here? Missionary work? Church ministries? Organised evangelistic activities?
Whilst those are worthy, they are not the whole story.
As disciples of Jesus he calls us out into our neighbourhoods, our friendship circles, hey, even our families to demonstrate and share the love of Christ. To be his hands, his feet, and manifest his compassion to those who are confused and helpless. To those who are abandoned by society, those who are let down by culture, to those who don’t even know they are lost!
And for that, what do we need? A formal qualification? Nope. A paid role? Negative. A discerned call or recognition? No, not really.
It merely starts with awareness. Awareness of how greatly we are loved. Awareness of the transformation we have been through. And awareness of the strength and riches available to us in Christ. So often we get stuck in so-called ‘limiting beliefs’ which hold us back. Like Jeremiah the prophet we think we are too young. Or like Moses, we claim we cannot speak. Yet, with the life of Christ being poured out into our hearts, we have ALL that we could need. If only we’d get out the boat.
Self-awareness is not necessarily sinful. Self-obsession is! But knowing our weaknesses and asking Christ to complete us is wise. Seeking emotional wholeness and health is not selfish. Too often as evangelicals we have been discouraged from paying ANY attention to our feelings, emotions, or state of mind—‘just believe the facts’ we are told!
Books such as Emotionally Healthy Relationships by Peter Scazzero have started to shine a light on the issues surrounding poor emotional health in the church. Others like Soul Care by Rob Reimer offer practical, yet biblical support exploring our souls and seeking a Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered state of heart that can share love from a place of strength.
Are you moved by the compassion Jesus has for you, your family, and your friends? Do you want to share that compassion for those around you? Open yourself up to him. Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
Start with a vertical focus seeking God in the face of Christ. Let him work in your soul. Watch his work create in your an overflow of compassion, love, and joy. But work he will. He will challenge you. He will show you things you didn’t realise. He will invite you to face realties you’d buried, traumas you’ve tried to forget, memories you haven’t dealt with.
He’s doing that for me! And I am immensely grateful. It’s not been easy. It’s still not easy. But I see the fruit, as I abide in his presence—John 15:5:
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing”.
