Glory and Joy and Prayer
April 16, 2009 – 8:47 am
Recently in my daily devotions I read 1 Corinthians chapter 4 where Paul discusses some of the horrendous difficulties he and the other apostles went through for the sake of preaching the gospel.
I made this note in my journal: “Anybody want to become an apostle like Paul? What a résumé!”
Yet, Paul endured all he went through with joy and could even sing while in prison (Acts 16:25). In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 he writes that his converts and those he disciples are his glory and joy.
Today, 2,700 Assemblies of God missionaries and missionary associates are scattered like light and salt around the world. Their missionary letters and reports are inspirational. Most are doing well and rejoicing in the growth and development of their ministries.
Others tell of hardship. A number of Christians around the world and sometimes our missionaries face persecution. Most missionaries and ministries are feeling the fallout of the global economic downturn. Health problems and other issues occasionally weigh them down. Yet they are rejoicing in spite of whatever they are going through because they are seeing God at work. The worldwide church is growing like never before through their efforts, even in difficult regions.
I know our AG missionaries, like Paul, would appreciate your prayers. Sometimes that’s all that keeps them going. Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:1, Brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.
Click here to read one story of how prayer saved a missionary’s life.