“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20
When Moses questioned the Lord about his call to go lead Israel out of Egypt, the Lord God responded with words we need to hear today, “I will certainly be with you.”
Ex. 3:12
God does not send us out into the mission field to fend for ourselves. His promise is to always be with us! We must embrace this truth if we hope to have any success in bringing glory to God. With His presence in all situations, we have His wisdom, His power, His Spirit, His comfort, His protection, and His provision. His presence gives us confidence and boldness. The Lord God assured Joshua of this truth.
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
These words were given to Joshua when he assumed command of the Israelite Nation after the passing of Moses, as they were poised to go in and take possession of the promised land! We have been given a similar assurance of the power and presence of Jesus as we go to our Jerusalem, our Judea, our Samaria, and to the ends of the earth as His witnesses.
Though we know this intellectually we often fail to apply this truth in practice. We go in our own strength, our own wisdom and our own power expecting to accomplish great things for God. In our excitement and anticipation of serving the Lord we rush out the door without praying for God’s wisdom or His Spirit. We leave without putting on the armor of God, like a football player entering the field without helmet or shoulder pads. Zeal is good but the prayer of preparation is better.
We ask God to prepare our hearts with the right motives, with the spirit of love and compassion, and with the power of the Holy Spirit. We pray for wisdom and discernment. We pray for the Lord God to prepare the field, the hearts of those we hope to reach with the message of the gospel. We pray for God to be glorified.
Thanking God for the assurance of the power of His presence in all situations.
Blessed by you… Bro. Sherman
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