Barnabas Task

It has been said that the motivating factor for a missionary who goes to some place in the world to do God’s bidding that the call of God is a difference maker.  To stay or not to stay on the field is many times processed through the call.  He who calls us in light will be there when we are in a dark, tough, confusing  place in our lives.  The “call” to reach the lost is such an overwhelming thought.  I have several thoughts on this subject.

We do have unfinished business.  There is a world that needs to be reached. We must do what we can while it is day to reach the lost.  While everyone should get a passport and be ready for whatever God has, there is also a need for being aware  where you are at.  Who can we  effect?  What can we do with what we have right in front of us?  Need, disaster, conflict,the lost,  compassion for…….all become relevant in the context of where we are at.  

Whatever the response that is ours, relationships is a key for what we are doing.  I remember meeting with my friend Roberto Ruz in Chile.  We had a passion to reach the lost, a true desire to do something for the Lord, to complete the task that was ours.  Where did we start? We sat at a table with a cup of coffee. We did it again and we did it again.  This coffee and table time is the standard for everything I have a accomplished  with people in my life.   Out of relationship ministry flows.  There is a lot said today about a changing culture that won’t listen.  In the fast lane we are.  My take on this is that investment in time with someone still works.  A table and a cup of coffee.  

An intimate relationship with Father is a key factor as it relates to the Unfinished Task.  I have wrestled with the call of God  and I responded.  I  have prayed to the point that my heart has ached for the lost of the world.  I have experienced groaning in the Spirit as I have interceded for those still have not heard  the loving message of God the Father.  I submit to you that I have miserably failed in so many areas of my life.  One of those areas is the failure to understand the intimacy that God desires from me.   I am being courted by the Holy Spirit.   To do or attempt anything without attempting to gain such a secure, loving, caring intimacy with the God the Father is fearful  thought.  But I have done this.  

I am at the beginning again.  I understand who I am.  I feel called of God.  We must do all we can to reach the lost.  It is in me and I can’t ignore it.  I know relationships are a key to everything I do in ministry.  I also know that knowledge of “how to” does not replace this desire  to simply rest and sit at the feet of God and learn, basking in His presence.  I guess I am a fool for this.  I have fallen in love.  Whose fool are  you?