08 26 08 WORTH THE JOURNEY

“In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers. Among them were Barnabas, Simeon, and Lucius from Cyrene. Simeon was also called Niger. Another was Manaen. He had been brought up with Herod, the ruler of Galilee. Saul was among them too. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke. ‘Set apart Barnabas and Saul for me,’ He said. ‘I have appointed them to do special work.’ The prophets and teachers fasted and prayed. They placed their hands on Barnabas and Saul. Then they sent them off. Barnabas and Saul were sent on their way by the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 13:1-4 NIrV)

Missionaries are called out by the Spirit of God to do a direct and specific work for the Lord. It’s a call and direction not simply experienced by the individual or family, but confirmed, identified, and encouraged by other mature believers. In this case, the church leaders (prophets and teachers) in Antioch were fasting and carrying out their duties to the church and heard from the Holy Spirit concerning Paul (Saul) and Barnabas, who had just returned from a journey into Jerusalem.

Paul and Barnabas were obviously called out by the Lord to do His work among the nations. The preachers and teachers of the Antioch church no doubt saw this and encouraged it. As a result, they identified and affirmed God’s appointment of these men by the laying on of hands. This is not just an official recognition, but so encouraging to missionaries to receive the support and encouragement of their spiritual leaders and friends. Even today, for a missionary to know he (or she) has the prayers, encouragement, and physical support of those he loves and respects goes a long way to alleviate the frustration, depression, and other attacks of the enemy while serving the Lord. Though called by God to do the work, it matters that His people not only agree with God, but are willing to invest in His work through the missionary.

At times, it seems the only friend a missionary has is Jesus, so to know he is loved, encouraged, and supported by family and friends keeps him going. When no one is saved for a long period, when God’s Word seems to be falling upon deaf ears and financial support dwindles to a trickle, it’s the prayers and support of friends that reminds the missionary “stay in the battle”!

The next time we have the opportunity to be with a missionary, let’s take time to encourage him, pray with him, and even make a sacrificial gift to the work God has called him to do. Never question the call of God’s servants, let God be the judge. Genuine committed servants won’t quit, but they do get lonely, frustrated, and even depressed at times. By the grace of God, He keeps them as He did Paul, Barnabas, George Mueller, and Hudson Taylor and many more.

I know…I have experienced the highs and lows over the past ten years as well! Yet it’s WORTH THE JOURNEY!