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Single Minded
by Michelle Brinson
6:8 NIV
Just how far are you willing to go to follow Christ? Literally – are you willing to go to a homeless shelter and feed the homeless? Are you willing to be a part of a prison ministry mentoring men and women who are incarcerated? Are you willing to work in the projects – take food or deliver toys to the numerous children who must live there – but not by choice? Are you willing to travel across the world to Africa to evangelize? Just how far are you willing to go if He calls you?
But what about figuratively? Are you willing to go out on a limb and tell an unbeliever what you believe and why you believe it? Are you willing to turn away from sin when it beckons at your door? Are you willing to stand up to your family when they don't agree with the calling God's given you and you've chosen to follow? Just how far are you willing to go to follow Him?
I think about the Apostle Paul as I dwell on that question. Prior to his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul "Saul" was a member of the Sanhedrin and was actively involved in persecuting Christians. But after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus where he was planning to go and kill more Christians… everything changed. The man who once was the worst enemy of Christians of all became the greatest missionary for Jesus.
Only Jesus would chose to speak to a man like this - on a mission to persecute Christians!
I think the fact that Jesus chose Paul while he was still "Saul the persecutor of Christians" is amazing. What a marvelous testimony to the world! This man who was so passionate about persecuting Christians became even more passionate about his love for Christ. It is almost too incredible to imagine-- the power of Christ who can take a heart so bitter and full of hatred and fill it with such love!
Paul continued to live out his life in honor and to the glory of Christ… even to the point of death.
Colossians 1:23 NIV
Every morning I read from a book called Extreme Devotion. It's published by the Voice of the Martyrs. It highlights past and even somewhat current missionaries who were willing to put their lives on the line for their faith in Christ. Each day as I read, I am amazed at the heart of these men and women who loved Jesus so much that they stood before firing squads, were tortured, battered, bruised, crushed, maimed, starved, saw their families tortured, raped, beaten and were not shaken.
What kind of rock are they standing on? Where is their hope? Who is their comfort? Where did their strength come from?
The answer is simply Jesus.
I want to have that kind of faith. How about you?
Most of us will probably never have to suffer the same kind of pain these missionaries suffered. But then again, only God knows what lies ahead for each of us.
Just how far are you willing to go in actively following Christ? Maybe the next time someone asks for your help you'll be willing to step out in faith and actively go – whether it is literally or figuratively.
For me personally God has called me to the volunteer mission field. As I am preparing to go, I pray I have the kind of faith that is unshakeable and unmovable and that no matter what – I will have the strength to stand – because I'm standing on a solid rock – Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV
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Michelle sees her marriage as a ministry and desires for it and herself to be used by God. She and her husband and son are active members of their church. She is also passionate about spreading the good news locally as well as internationally via mission trips to East Africa and wherever else the Lord leads.
Michelle is a talented writer and speaker who prays God will use her in sharing His hope and truths to those who are hurting and in need of love.
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