Seasons of spiritual growth and feeding ebb and flow possibly for much of our time here on earth. Let me ask a very difficult question: Has there ever been a time in your Christian walk where you knew you couldn’t make it through a day without the Lord? Yes, I do mean through prayer and Scripture reading. But, go deeper with me here. When was the last time we felt His presence so deeply in our lives and hearts that it became hard to breathe if we were away from Him for a time? Our very breath taken away if we’re not in His presence. I’m not suggesting we all immediately become nuns and monks, but this question begs for an answer. And I think a big part of this answer comes in 2 parts; who or what are we worshiping? And who or what are we trying to control or relinquish control of?
Why did we start the topic about missionaries getting spiritually fed on the mission field like this? I believe it’s because these questions lie at the center of their growth and maturity in Christ as well. Missionaries are constantly pouring their whole entire lives into people, meetings, teammates, church members, community outreaches and so much more. When they give and give and give and give, how do these missionaries regain spiritual vitality, energy, and focus? It’s imperative that we pray that our missionaries are growing in strength and maturity on the field. Certainly, it can take place as they go to church, hear a good sermon, or do an outreach. But real maturation in faith comes through digging into God’s Word. Being a man or woman of much prayer…believing that nothing can be done, no plans succeed unless they go to the Lord in prayer first. And also that they find like-minded believers to hold them accountable and encourage one another in the journey. Read this from the Apostle Peter and you’ll get a better understanding of what I mean:
“His [God’s] divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pt. 1:3-9).”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to praise You that I can come to You at any time, unencumbered, and have a truly intimate relationship with You. I ask that You would strengthen (Your Missionary) and give them a spiritual fervor they have never experienced before. I ask that (Your Missionary) would diminish any pride or desire to control certain things in their life and worship and serve You alone! Help them to embody these beautiful character qualities in 2 Peter in increasing measure with each passing day. In the strong and mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen!
