Jesus doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called!!
I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s easy to feel like I need to walk a certain way or be at a certain “level” in my faith to be a missionary. Sometimes, I feel like I need to live up to this expectation of walking like a missionary should walk. And I put all of this pressure on myself waiting for this moment when I’ll feel ready to conquer the world.
But reality is, we may never feel ready. I think of Jesus and the disciples feeding the 5000, when the disciples are literally freaking out, wondering how they will feed all of these people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. YET, in the midst of the disciples’ doubt, Jesus CHOOSES to partner with them in ministry!!
“Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied” [Matthew 14:19-20]. The disciples actually participated in that miracle with Jesus, even though they were so doubtful!
How often do we choose not to step out because we lack faith?? We feel that Holy Spirit prompting, but we subdue it because of fear. Fear of rejection, fear of being wrong, fear of being uncomfortable, fear of man. I know it’s happened to me so many times.
Reality is, when we partner with Jesus, all things are possible!! Jesus literally says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we will move mountains; “nothing will be impossible for you” [Matthew 17:20]. I think of Peter walking on water. When his eyes are fixed on Jesus, he literally walks on water! But when he lets fear take over, he starts to sink. [Matthew 14:28-31]
Faith is trusting in God, not our own efforts. Faith is taking a step of faith, not knowing what the outcome will be. Faith is surrendering control to our Father, in the midst of our doubts! Faith is being open, vulnerable, and ready to change!! Faith is a simple “yes.”
Being a missionary doesn’t start when I’m on the mission field, it starts now!! God is equipping me now, he’s equipping you now. Whether you’re going on a full-time mission trip or not. Living for Jesus is a constant lifestyle, not a specific ministry time. We should be so in love with Jesus that we can’t help but spread His love everywhere we go!!
I was reading 1 Corinthians 12-14 today and got totally wrecked. As Christians, we ALL have the SAME SPIRIT in us. Sure, different people naturally lean towards different gifts, but we have access to all of the gifts because it’s the same Spirit inside of us. And the purpose of these gifts is LOVE. It’s all about love! The purpose of all spiritual gifts is that we can shine a greater love on those around us.
My point: As Christians, we are called higher. We all have a greater ability to love those around us because we understand Jesus’ sacrificial and unconditional love for us! Love boldly & radically. Love in a way that looks different than the world’s view of love.
This week, I’ve stepped out in the Spirit more than usual, and I’ve seen crazy reactions from those around me! Like seriously, people are SO BLESSED when you step out just to tell them that God sees them and loves them. Sure, I don’t get positive responses all the time, but I’m not responsible for their responses, I’m just responsible for loving them.
Stepping out doesn’t start once I’m on the World Race, it starts here and now! Because God is equipping me more every time I step out. It’s a constant growing journey! And it gets more and more fun every time you step out.
That’s all the exhortation I have for the day!!! If you wanna read a cray cray story of a Holy Spirit encounter at church, please keep reading.
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I was at church this past Sunday when I got totally slain in the Spirit. This has only happened to me one other time….Basically, a random dude came up to me with a prophetic word (that turned into a 30 minute Holy Spirit encounter). We’ve never met before, so I knew what he was saying was from God…he starts talking about a vision of horses and dirt paths and me being in new places with an increase in gifts of healing, signs and wonders, and visions. I told him after that I was going on the World Race and he freaked out and started encouraging me and explaining more of his vision. Then he started praying over me. That’s when things got extra cray…. He started praying things over me that I’ve been asking God for, but haven’t told anyone about—the gift of apostleship, healing, prophecy, visions—God reminded me that if we ask for more of Him, we will receive it! This bro’s hand kept twitching as he was praying over me and every time it twitched, I felt the power of God radiate through my body. The power of the Spirit was CRAZY, my whole body was tingling, and I felt a sense of peace. When he finished praying over me, I felt like all of my fears were gone and I was ready to conquer the world for Jesus!!! There’s so much more, but I can’t even write it all out. Moral of the encounter: God truly equips the called!!!! Whether through a divine encounter, or just gentle revelations, if you say “yes,” He will equip you!!
5 weeks till launch!! If you liked this blog, please subscribe to receive email updates from me while I’m on the Race! And if you’re feelin extra generous, please donate to my trip!! I need to have $10,000 by July 21. Thanks for reading!!
