Scripture: I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:23-24
This weekend Prayers For The People You love is sponsoring a 5K Sweetheart race to help raise money for a group of seniors who will travel to Brazil this spring on a mission trip. They have made the choice to go carry the gospel into a foreign land instead of taking a self-serving beach trip with their friends. I can’t imagine being mature enough in my faith to have done that at 18 years old.
I myself have never been on a mission trip. I do understand however that when we step out of our homes we enter the mission field. For many of us traveling to Brazil may never happen. However, we can partner with people as they take a leap of faith and go out to carry the gospel to foreign places. The mission of Jesus Christ is the same today as it was 2000 years ago: Offer a Life-Saving grace to a dying world. We can do that in the way we talk, walk, and live our lives every moment of every day.
You are a missionary. Wherever you are in all you do and say. Whatever race you are running, allow Jesus to run alongside you encouraging you and helping you complete the race set out before you. Look up away from your own troubles and find someone to serve. It is in service that we are most like Christ. You can find strength and encouragement in serving others. Go ye!
Leslie Stephens
McMinnville, TN
Prayer: Holy Spirit, come and give me the strength I need to run this race of life with endurance and grace. I want to see you waiting at the finish line. Amen
Prayer Tip: Always say prayers for missionaries. They risk their lives to carry the valuable gospel into the most desolate and impoverished nations of the world. They need our prayers.
