Many of us are feeling weary over the disheartening news over the past few weeks. We don’t know what to say. We don’t have an explanation.

Let us pray.

As our children look up to us, eyes penetrating deep, we wonder what kind of world will they grow up in? Will it be safe? Will they be accepted, regardless of their race or the job that they do?

Let us pray.

When we watch day after day of increased violence not only in our homeland but also across the ocean blue, it is easy to become discouraged. Fear comes knocking on the door. Anxious thoughts run wild. Do we become reclusive? Do we run and hide?

Let us pray.

But God tells us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). To tell them that Jesus is alive. To share with others that God is not dead and we have eternity to look forward to. This is exactly what Jesus did when He came to earth. He made disciples of men and now He is asking us to do the same. I know it does sound scary, so let’s hand over our fears to God.

Let us pray.

Make disciples. Hmmm. It does seem more difficult than it should. I hear the excuses rambling in my brain. But if not me, then who? Someone much more educated? Or perhaps the pastoral staff? Someone much older and wiser? Why yes…the list could go on and on. But let’s be honest, Jesus didn’t pick the brightest disciples when he chose the 12 to follow Him. There was a fisherman and tax-collector…even a doubter in the crowd. If Jesus used such ordinary men, then certainly He can use you and I.

Let us pray.

Charles H. Spurgeon once said, “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.” Ouch. Sometimes I wish it was somebody else’s job. This title of “missionary” has strong implications…why…it sounds like we have a job. We have been given purpose for living here (Ephesians 2:10). Maybe it’s time to start living this way, rather than just wasting our time.

Let us pray.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few” (Luke 10:2). Maybe now more than ever, people will listen to you…as their worldly securities are stripped bare. May we ask the Holy Spirit to open the doors…and may we be bold enough to step through.