UNDERSTANDING MISSION (14)

The Sacrifices That Produce Great Harvest

"Are they servants of Christ? I know I sound like a madman, but I have served him far more! I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches" (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

A few years ago, I had an encounter with the Lord. One of the practices I was introduced to and encouraged to engage in was reading. I read extensively, including the scriptures and Christian literature. I bought and listened to a series of Christian messages. My collection of books, audio, and visual material counts up to six thousand or more. I pursued theological studies through correspondence and earned several certificates. Through my studies and research, I have learned that no man of God who made a significant impact in their time did so without making sacrifices. I have learned that no man can effectively represent God in his time without personal sacrifice and commitment to excellence.

David Livingstone, a great missionary to South Africa, was once attacked by a lion, resulting in ongoing suffering until his death. Yet, he refused to give up on his assignment. Mary Slessor left her fiancé just days before their wedding to preach the good news in Nigeria and saved thousands of twins who were once victims of death by traditional law. Jim Elliot and his team lost their lives among the people they were sent to bring the light of the gospel to. Reinhard Bonnke's team once had a serious accident during one of their gospel crusades in Africa, resulting in the death of some members. However, he continued with the crusade, leading thousands of people to the saving knowledge of Jesus.

Only the fainthearted will fail to succeed in the Master's assignment.

The story of David and his men is of great significance: "David wanted some water very much. He said, 'Oh, I want water! There is a well in Bethlehem. It is near the gate. I would be very happy if someone would fetch me a drink from that well!' The three famous captains attacked the Philistines and so the three captains passed their tents. Those three captains went into Bethlehem. They found the well that is near the gate. They took water from there and they brought it to David. But David refused to drink that water. He poured it out as a gift to the LORD. He said, 'God knows that I cannot drink this water. This water is like the blood of these men. They might have died when they fetched this water. I would not accept the gift of their blood. And so I will not drink this water.' So, David refused to drink the water. Those three brave men did other things like that too" (1 Chronicles 11:17-19). No one can succeed if they fear to break through the ranks of the enemies. Leadership isn't just a confession of faith; it is an act of faith. Faith is following the Master through dangerous paths and battles. It is winning with Jesus. Lazy men cannot endure in the journey of faith. Men like Demas (2 Timothy 4:10) who prioritize their worldly desires cannot have a lasting testimony of divine victory and success. Those who succumb to singing the Lord's song in a strange land (Psalm 137:4) cannot return to Jerusalem to sing the song of victory to our God.

Not too long ago, I had a discussion with one of the village elders in the places we minister. He simply asked me, "Why aren't you discouraged by the apathetic attitudes of our people?" I replied, "God gave us instructions to follow." He sighed deeply at my response. This village is notorious, and he was amazed that we had not abandoned them despite the spiritual and physical assaults on us. He repeated to me several times, "GOD GAVE YOU INSTRUCTIONS TO FOLLOW."

The road to victory is narrow, and the path is difficult. Only the highway to hell is broad and easy. There are no quick fixes on the path of lasting mission work. Yet, anyone who has made any lasting impact has had to make sacrifices.

These sacrifices may involve losing one's health, comfort, and sometimes even one's life in pursuit of this mission.

"Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop" (2 Corinthians 9:6).

The truth is this: we reap what we sow. No one who is lazy in the Great Commission will reap a bountiful harvest. Tenacity in prayer, consistency in giving, and sacrificing our comfort and convenience all contribute to producing a great harvest of souls.

Mission work is not for the lazy. It requires great sacrifices.

Are you up to the task? Those who long for the things they had in their past, those who uncontrollably desire worldly pleasures, cannot have the heart to endure the afflictions that pave the way to the Promised Land (Numbers 11:5).

Peter Abdul-Razaq, OLAYINKA,

Serving missionary with Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara

WhatsApp: (+229) 94139130

Mobile no.: (+234) 8066540987, (+234) 7084504532

Email: peterrazaq@yahoo.com

Twitter & Instagram: @peterrazaq

LinkedIn: Revd. Peter Olayinka