I have missionary friends all over the world. One of the things I loved hearing was how they were called to the work they are doing. Most were leading normal lives, and one day they felt a stirring in their hearts. As they began to seek God, they started to see doors open for them to go. Soon their church was sending them, and the life they knew was in the rearview mirror. They were headed on an adventure of a lifetime.
ACTS 13:2-3
“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
A Unique Work
The church in Antioch was mighty in the works of the Spirit and rich in the teaching of the word. During one of their meetings, as they were fasting, the Spirit told them to set apart Saul and Barnabas for a unique work. The elders listened, prayed, laid hands on them, and sent them off on their first missionary journey. The church would expand dramatically during this time. The doors would be flung open to the Gentiles, the old system of Jewish rules would be laid aside, and the world would be turned upside down.
Turning the World Upside Down
God is still turning the world upside down. People are listening to the call of the Holy Spirit, and churches are sending their own to foreign lands to preach the Gospel. Though it is difficult to follow, people are getting saved, the sick are being healed, and native ministers are being raised up. Much of this is happening in countries that strictly prohibit Christianity. You can’t stop the work of the Spirit.
An Adventure of a Lifetime
Are you feeling the call of God on your life? Is your heart being pulled toward distant lands? If so, you need to go to the leadership of your church and ask them to pray. If they lay hands on you and confirm God’s calling, go. There are not enough workers, and the harvest is ripe. Even if you are not feeling called to foreign nations you are being called to go across the street and minister to your neighbor. Ask for God to open doors. You don’t even need your pastor to lay hands on you.