We have this hope as an anchor for the soul . . . behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. (Heb. 6:19–20)
When we were missionaries, I had many opportunities to speak in different churches while doing home ministries. At one church, someone asked, “What is the most important thing you need as a missionary?”
This question caused me to think. Was money the most important thing we needed? Was purchasing a mission vehicle to travel from one ministry center to another the most important thing? Was obtaining a high-tech computer the most important thing?
What was my conclusion? All these things may help lighten the load of ministry, but they were definitely not the most important needs. Missionaries need the prayers of the saints. Money, a car, or a computer cannot bring conviction upon the hearts of the lost. Neither can they speak deeply into the hearts of national believers concerning their need to pursue God’s holiness and be entirely sanctified. Ministry miracles don’t happen as a result of “things.”
Missionaries have successfully served God without a lot of money, without a car to travel around in, or even without a computer. However, I have never seen successful ministry take place without the prayers of believers lifting Christian workers to the throne of God. That is why so many missionaries say, “The most important thing you can do for us is to pray for us.”
Rejoice in the assurance that Jesus has your back.
Jim “Umf” Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books including Unholiness: Overcoming the Forces That Attack Your Soul (WPH).
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
