Missionary Journey

 

    Paul was one of a kind.  He was intense, but he cared.  He understood what was at stake. He wanted everyone to find salvation, but did not let those whom rejected Jesus affect him personally.  He wanted other missionaries to be successful too, so he would encourage them.  He met and helped make many because he was always moving from one place to another trying to reach as many people as possible.

    Paul never served God alone.  He also understood the importance of relationships.  We were created to need God and other people.  We were never meant to be alone in this world.  Even if he traveled alone, he would find friends that God put in his path.  When you serve God, you are not supposed to go out alone.  It leaves you physically and spiritually vulnerable.  You will fatigue and burn out much quicker.  This is why Paul was like a very hands on Corporate Pastor (leader over many churches).

    Paul would have long winded sermons, but they were impactful.  One night when Paul was preaching a young man named Eutychus that was sitting in the window seal fell asleep.  He fell out of the window three stories to his death.  Paul rushed down to him and put his arms around him and declared that he was alive.  Once the young man got up again they went back and had a fellowship meal.  Eutychus went home greatly comforted at dawn and Paul continued on his journey.

    Paul understood not to go into missions alone, but to take the time to refresh and that might require being alone.  When you take care of your needs, then you can really focus on your work.  Serve God with humility.  Serve with tears when you need to.  Just do not hesitate to proclaim the Word or teach those that want to be taught.  

    When you want to grow your faith dig deep and repent the hidden sins that the Holy Spirit reveals to you.  He will compel you to go the direction that He is leading.  What is the point to work hard as a Christian if you are not going to finish strong.  Life is a marathon.  You will not last is you sprint through everything.  Paul had matured enough that he walked willingly into situation that would be full of hardship, like Jesus.  He did it out of love and devotion to God.  It was a life of many goodbyes.

    The missionary journey is you living out your testimony.  It is accepting responsibility to help those that you lead to Jesus to become mature Christians that will seek to serve.  As a church we should work together to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to learn.  We are the guardians of the truth of God's grace.  The grace is revealed in our inheritance.  Your blessing grow the more you give.

Acts 20