Ready yourself (for the mission)

The beginning of the Gospel of Mark starts off with a description of a preacher. This preacher, Jesus would later declare as the greatest Prophet to ever live.

The illustrious beginning of the Goods News of reconciliation starts in the heart as one hears the word of truth and becomes transformed by it. God has chosen to use man to proclaim His Word, and John was considered a forerunner pioneering the way for the rest of us.

The uniqueness of John was his character as well as his call. But think with me for a second. He was not greatly known, nor did he care to be so. He was not an author, or a theologian and he had never contributed to anything significant that we know of prior to the beginning of his ministry. What we do know is that his father was a high priest, his mother was a godly woman, and he came to baptize Christ as well as to be a crying voice. This man was a simple, rugged, perhaps uneducated man who possessed understanding, obedience and courage, and God used him mightily!

You might feel, like I have on so many occasions, that isolation and obscurity have left your life meaningless. Perhaps your living a mundane and transitory life because of your circumstances and you feel disheartened. Others around you are being used, while you feel like you've been placed on a shelf. You follow popular organizations who raise up leaders, and certain Facebook and Twitter folks grow exponentially with their websites or blogs ministries and then there is little old you, feeling as if you're nothing more than an old 747 sitting on an abandoned air field.

Relax! You're not alone. Many great men and woman have been right where you are at today. It's just not your time.

One of my closest friends, whom I had the great privileged to disciple once said this to me- "It'll happen Jerbear, the worlds just not ready for you yet"!

So…while you wait for the world to finally ready itself to listen to your crying voice, here are a few suggestions.

1) Have an understanding: Know your Bible, your calling and your stuff! Read good books and write down your thoughts. Prepare yourself. Pray and watch for God's timing.
This downtime is prep time!

2) Be obedient: Sit and wait patiently and don't lose heart. A heart that is lost can never help save hearts that are lost. Trust and believe that it will happen. Remember all the promises of God are Yes and Amen! (2 Corinthians 1:20)

3) Be courageous: Step out in faith and get on board with Jesus. He can handle the details. When it is time to "go", you will be equipped. Trust in Him and lean not on your own understanding!