If you were to watch the world news for any length of time, you might be tempted to think the world is spinning out of control. Jesus called it “wars and rumors of wars.” Because of man’s fallen nature, we as Christians should not be surprised that the whole earth is filled with backbiting and infighting. Furthermore, as people deceive and hurt one another, many governments become increasingly closed to foreigners such as missionaries living within their borders. This creates many difficulties in obtaining visas, staying for long periods, and speaking words of truth to the local population. How should believers and missionaries respond?
The first step should be to recognize that there is not one natural disaster, not one threat that is uttered, not one war started that is outside of God’s sovereignty. Secondly, the difficulties and turmoil wrought upon the earth are all opportunities for the light of believers to shine even brighter in the darkness that is our collective sinful culture. Lastly, each difficulty is an opportunity to wholly rely on God. When our hearts are broken, the best response is to cry out to the Lord of angel armies in prayer.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for the governments of the countries where our missionaries serve. We pray that You would make a way for missionaries to enter and share the gospel with the people of those lands. We pray that You would use man’s sinfulness and arrogance to show Your glory and Your love for those who are hurting. Give wisdom to missionaries who bring the Good News of Jesus Christ and His salvation to a world that is lost. Amen.
