The Privilege

As sons and daughters of God, we have a great privilege: to share the good news of salvation with those who are outside the kingdom.

What that looks like is different for each person and what God has called them to do. Some are teachers, preachers, or overseas missionaries. Some hold Bible studies. Some minister at soup kitchens or prisons. Some write books.

But what about when there seem to be no opportunities? When every day seems to hold the same household duties with no opportunity to speak for Christ? I’ve been there—and my parents have really encouraged and challenged me and my siblings with this:

If there seem to be no opportunities, you must start looking for them.

With prayerful consideration, yes. But we shouldn’t expect God to drop people in our laps. He said “GO ye into all the world …” (Mark 15:16) He wants us, out of love for Him, to seek ways to share His salvation.

Notice it says “ALL the world”.  All the world includes Canada. It includes the United States. It includes every single country—which means we don’t have to go across the sea to preach the gospel. We can preach it right here, right now, by our words and actions.

We decided to seek opportunities.

My oldest sister came across a ministry called River’s Edge Haven of Hope—a farm that gives children from needy homes a place to be mentored, to learn practical skills, and most of all, to hear the gospel.

We could have read about it and thought, “Wow, that’s an amazing ministry,” and gone on our way. But we had been seeking—and God had answered. My sister and I have both been accepted as mentors, and we’re excited to go through their training course and bring light to the children God puts in our lives.

‘So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work..’ (Nehemiah 4:6)

We need to have a mind to work, not on our walls or empires or interests, but on what God desires—a kingdom of priests, of sons and daughters strong in His strength, going forth to bring more into His glorious salvation.

Sometimes, though, we have to look at our duty as the stone that made the ripples. Maybe there isn’t a ministry option outside your home.

Friend, there are always ministry opportunities inside your home.

Perhaps you have unsaved family members you can speak with, or show God’s love and grace by your love and trust in Him.

Maybe there are friends and acquaintances with whom you write. Every letter, email, or text is an opportunity to shine Christ’s light or build up a fellow believer.

Building up other Christians is so important—because your words and actions can make them more effective in the ministry they’re doing.

You might not see anything for you to do right now, but you can speak into the lives of those who are working. You can make your family’s home a place of joy and beauty, a place to be encouraged and gain strength for the next task.

‘But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.’

If you’re like me, it can be difficult for you to share the gospel or even articulate things you’ve been reading in the Bible that might bless someone. But don’t be afraid to ask God for opportunities—with every opportunity He gives you, He gives the strength and wisdom you need for it.

You may not feel up for the task …

‘But God hath chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.’ (1 Corinthians 1: 27)

Seek God. Look around you. And work.

Praying for you,

TRQT