Prayer of embracing our region
Acts 16:16~19 She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. (18) Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #415 Beneath the Cross of Jesus (#471 in previous version) If we grow accustomed to the field that we are situated in, it becomes harder for us to view it objectively. Only when problems occur around us can we see carefully the things that are happening in our field. We must learn to see the events and circumstances that are happening in our regions so that we can see the spiritual state of our region. We must pray about how we can evangelize our region and share the Gospel with people around us. Opening our eyes to see our region is very important. What must we regard as important?
1. Thirst
Problems after problems befell Joseph. He was betrayed by his family and falsely accused. Nevertheless, Joseph did not see his problems. He saw the thirsting field of Egypt. Man is happy only when he is with God, but after being separated from God, he only has thirst. If we view the problems of our region and our own problems with such eyes, God will bring in thirsting people that He has prepared and allow the meeting with disciples that God has prepared for long ages past. Truly seeing the spiritual thirst of our region is most important in the life of the evangelist.
2. Conditions of our region
What kind of culture is prevalent in the region where we live or work? Into what kind of things does the economy flow? Which religion has influenced our region? As we bear these things in mind, we must look out to our region so that we come to see the type of evangelism that is suitable for our region. If we pray for how we can evangelize in a neighborhood filled with idolatry, an affluent neighborhood or a culturally developed neighborhood, God will give us wisdom.
3. Answers that come through our region
Paul was put into prison while preaching the Gospel to the girl who was demon possessed. Paul’s work of evangelism did not stop there. While in prison, he received the blessing of the jailer and his entire household being saved. If we are indeed evangelists, we neither lose heart because of our problems or circumstances nor jump for joy because we are receiving answers. All we need to do is humbly enjoy the blessing of Christ in the region that God has given to us. Only then can we see the people who are quenching their thirst with other things as well as the forces of darkness that have seized our region. We need the prayer of the evangelist so that the kingdom of God comes upon the region where we belong.
- What kind of prayer topics do we have as we look out to our region? Let us align our direction with evangelism as we see the forces of darkness at work in our region. God will undoubtedly grant us the wisdom to save this age. Business & Industry Missions Message / 2012. 8. 11