As you go

As you go… make disciples. Matt. 28:19 That is how one preacher translated and explained this verse to me some years ago.  He explained that we are to be salt and light in our daily walk.  I once attended a church that had a sign above the exit which read, “You are entering your mission field.”  Great weekly reminder.  We get with other believers to be refreshed and learn, then we go out to minister.  We are instructed to go by twos and bring our peace. But shake the dust off if we are not welcome and move on. Matt. 10:7

For a while I have been asking the Lord “where is my mission field?”  I don’t attend worship.  I don’t have a prayer group or Bible study even though I made this offer on our website.  Then I realized I communicate with my blogs and on social media.  There were depressed people making posts on FB.  I could give them some encouragement.  So, I have shared some personal challenges and a few funny stories from my life experiences.  I explained that these are all a part of my faith walk.  These verses come to mind: 

Abraham believed and it was counted to him as righteous. 

 For we walk by faith not by sight. 

For without faith, it is impossible to please God. 

Most responses I received to my posts were positive and that encouraged me as well.

Back to shaking the dust.  I once shared some personal revelations that got mixed responses. I chose not to judge those who did not agree or were even irritated at what might have seemed to them my audacity.  Our relationship with Jesus is an individual thing.  Others may be closer than me or have information I don’t have.  I have a friend who sees angels.  This has not been my experience.  Some others say God speaks to them audibly daily.  He speaks to me in a different way.  Sometimes I just know things.  Like the time I knew my daughter would get a job.  It happened in such a miraculous way I was in awe.  That’s another story for another time.

Right now, I want to speak to seniors and shut ins.  Some of you may be struggling with thoughts of uselessness, loneliness or helplessness.  “Does God still have a purpose for me? Why am I still here?” Or some other concern that I have not articulated.  As we age, several things happen.  Our circle of friends may grow smaller.  We cannot go out as easily to join in fellowship with other believers.  We may not get company. Life may tend to focus more on our health.  I want to share some thoughts I have on this.

In my 50’s and 60’s I was a caregiver for family and for an organization.  I visited the elderly. It blessed me to be with those family members and the strangers I met who needed my help to get a bath or a meal prepared.  They had great stories and family history to share.  They brought me joy and encouragement.  Now my husband and I sometimes need extra help to do certain things.  We are grateful to have it and to have some younger friends and caregivers.  You can bless the younger generation with your wisdom and appreciating their gifts.  Share your life experiences with the next generation.  It will bless them.