Do You Need a Spiritual Growth Spurt?

Do You Need a Spiritual Growth Spurt?

Have you ever thought, I need something to boost my walk with God right now?

If you have, I encourage you to consider going on a missions trip. That is one of the best ways I’ve found to get a spiritual growth spurt.

On a missions trip, you will find out a lot about yourself. You will also find out a lot about other people. You’ll even find out a lot about your organizational ability just by packing your suitcase!

Jesus said to His disciples in Mark chapter 16:

Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]. He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned. And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; they will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well. (verses 15–18)

Did Jesus say, “People who love missions—you are to go into all the world”? No. Every person is to “go ye.” All people at some time in their lives should go.

If you want to change, this is a good way to do it. Matthew 9:35–38 says:

And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news (the Gospel) of the kingdom and curing all kinds of disease and every weakness and infirmity. When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust laborers into His harvest.

What happened when Jesus went into “all the cities and villages”? He saw the throngs and was filled with compassion. When He went, He saw bigger things than Himself and, as a result, He was immediately expanded in His world. We know this because right after He went, He turned and said, “So pray to the Lord of the harvest to force out and thrust laborers into His harvest.” The reason He called for prayer was because He had went to the people, seen them face-to-face, and was filled with compassion.

I read a quote a long time ago that said, “You’ve got to think about big things while you’re doing small things so that all the small things go in the right direction.”

The world teaches us tunnel vision. Your circumstances teach you tunnel vision. Tunnel vision is all about me—what I’m doing, what my family is doing, etc. But if everything was only about you, why is there a world out there that’s broader, greater, deeper, and higher than any of us could ever reach as long as we live?

If you want to grow, give yourself permission to break out. Break some new ground. Find a whole new world you’ve never explored. And never forget, that world out there is the one that your Heavenly Father sees day in and day out. It is ever before His face. Let it be before yours as well.

Comments

  1. Betsy Hertenstein

    Beautifully said. Thank you. It was your encouragement to pray for the 10/40 window that has led me to The Joshua Project, Asia Harvest, and other ministries for whom to pray. It has added great dimension in my prayer life. You are a gift to the Body and one for whom I am very grateful. May the Lord increase our hearing with this message.

  2. I enjoyed this message! Thanks for sharing!

  3. Thank you, Pastor Lynne, for faithfully giving to us the Word that the Lord gives to you in due season. I think of being a missionary every time I go out into my city, the gas station, the thrift stores, the library. God’s children everywhere.

  4. Thank you Lynn Hammond! I have been on one Mission trip with our youth to Rhema Mexico 2000 and was greatly blessed! I did learn I am more prayer cover for a group! I also know we have mission fields all around us every day asHe leads us. I have been a big encouragement in a therapy hospital here and when I can, want to go back as a volunteer. Bless you in all you do!

  5. Dear ma,
    My name is Temitayo olukunle ojo,im from Nigerian, i need your assistance in prayer, i want God to fullfilled his promise that made for me,some years ago tha i will reach United State Of America..i saw a big house on my dream and wrote it on the top of the building with Capital letter, i read it 3times before i woke up from my dream…many many dream like that.help me to tell your husband join and help me to pray for about me…i beg you and your husband in the name of almighty God that create heven and earth to assist me…pray about it,you will know that im not lying…contact ([email protected] or +2348066259842 or +2348189225046.
    Regards

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