Since returning from our trip to New York and then to Florida, my husband
and I were reflecting upon the fact that we had been gone a total of 21
days during the month of July and covered hundreds of miles. Though tiring,
traveling is enjoyable and many people make yearly plans to do so. Sometimes
our travel plans are delayed, some are canceled, and some plans are born
due to circumstances beyond our control, as was the case with the death
of my father. While keeping your own traveling plans in mind, let's take
a look at some the apostle Paul had…
Romans 15:23-24
But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire
these many years to come unto you; [24] Whensoever I take my journey into
Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to
be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled
with your company. [25] But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the
saints.
In keeping with his reputation as an ambassador for the Lord, the apostle
Paul had exhausted all opportunities in the place where he had been lodging.
There was nothing further he could do when it came to sharing the gospel.
Christianity had been planted, all ground had been covered and it was
time to move on. As I thought about this, I was immediately convicted
of how much there is yet for me to do right where I am living! Ladies,
how many of you can confidently say, as did Paul, that you have no more
place in the parts you reside? As a Christian, have you done all you could
for the cause of Christ where you are located? Before considering your
entire city, how about beginning with just your neighborhood, starting
with those living right next door… Have you thoroughly introduced the
gospel to those around you? This was Paul's greatest ambition and what
a ministry he had! How does it compare with yours? Traveling was much
slower for him than it is for us, yet he got the job done. We have bicycles,
motorcycles, cars, buses, planes and trains and what have we accomplished??
Many of us make travel plans and journey carelessly on, before completing
what we should have, leaving large portions of ground uncovered for God.
In all of his travels, Paul made plans to serve the Lord! In fact, verse
25 above reveals the reason behind his impending journey to Jerusalem
- to minister to the saints. It wasn't to run from responsibility, or
to escape the pressures of life; to nurture a tan that others would envy,
nor did he have a desire to visit the local hot spots and purchase a souvenir
for his collection or even taste of ethnic foods - Paul traveled for the
sole purpose of spreading the gospel! You see, ladies, he didn't leave
a place unless the Lord directed him to. He finished one job before he
started another. Those who are busy for God are not easily distracted
by new experiences or a life of ease but remain steadfast to the goal
of evangelism. As a soulwinner, Paul discipled those he led to the Lord
and multiplied himself in the areas God planted him so they were able
to help him cover the territory. For many years he had a desire to travel
to Rome and then on to Spain, yet Paul refrained himself until the task
at hand was finished. As a matter of fact, the Bible doesn't say whether
or not he ever even made it there. Nevertheless, his own plans often laid
aside, the apostle became one of God's most faithful laborers!
Before we close, I want us to consider whether or not our personal outreach
is as intense as Paul's was. Do you find yourself as committed to spiritual
goals, or earthly ones? Does your love for others and a burden for their
souls alter your personal plans in a major way? Are you expressing that
love through convenience or conviction? In other words, do you tend to
lost folks only after you've fulfilled your own desires? Is your desire
to obey God stronger than any of your personal desires? When is the last
time you put your personal dreams aside to serve the Lord? As you travel
about, are you aware that you will be held accountable for the ground
you are covering? Do you seek to witness to others even on vacation? Paul
intended that every one of his visits were beneficial. Every journey he
made was to extend the truth where it had not been known. Why do you travel??
Let's never forget to pack our bags with a ministry mindset and remember
our reason for passing through this world! Let us be disciplined and dedicated
enough to fulfill what God has given us to do.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2002 Pamela A. Iannello
