Higher Faith
by Margaret D. Mitchell
Week of November 25, 2012
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." -Mark 28:19-20
Ministering in the marketplace is not a new concept. It didn’t begin with any current day ministry. Jesus did it 2000 years ago. And it’s what we’re all called to do as His disciples.
Every time I step out from behind my laptop to minister in “unknown” places, I feel the hand of God part the waters (impossible barriers) for me the moment I enter an airport. I sense His presence so profoundly going before me, making a way. God lifts my spirit so high, it feels as if my feet hardly touch the ground. Fatigue and concerns simply fall away, even on early mornings. Eagerness, joy and clarity come upon me. There is a confidence that rises up within me, a knowing that I am where I’m supposed to be and that the hand of God is with me. He makes me soar.
Recently, I had the distinct honor of venturing to the Dominican Republic (D. R.). I had flown into Punta Cana and Santo Domingo a few times years ago as a Flight Attendant. But I never had layovers there.
Last year, my husband and I decided to vacation there after our annual Women’s Expo. It seemed like a quick solution to a much-needed respite, and I was curious about the D. R. We ended up driving through half the country, stopping along the way to conduct a bit of business on my husband’s end. We ended up staying primarily on the north side of the island, which was breathtaking. It was exactly what I needed—to sit alone in the ocean breeze and talk to God. Long story short, we ended up investing in some property, and ever since, have been praying about how to use it for the Lord.
God was faithful to answer our prayers and to order our steps. He revealed His will, His plan incrementally in His time.
When we returned to the D. R. this year, God blew us away, revealing His higher purpose for outreach there. He led us to increased provision and also to connect with an orphanage of 400 children. Who knew? Well, of course, God did. And I could hardly wait to get home to share this wonderful news with my board.
On my flight home, the Holy Spirit brought to mind a special word from the Lord that a woman in my church had spoken to me five years earlier—that God would send my husband and I overseas to minister to orphans, that the children were waiting for us and that, as we went to take care of God’s children, God would take care of our families back home. I had prayed about this spoken word many times over the years, and now, it was coming into fruition. What an awesome wonder to be living out God’s will.
Once home, in my quiet time, the Lord revealed to me that this adventure, this new mission is to be planned for 2014 and that His requirement for me is higher faith. I love how God takes us to places we never imagined—spiritually and logistically.
Mark 16:14-20 tells us, "Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; He rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.' After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and He sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it."
We understand that this is a time to stand upon the Word of God. There is much to do in preparation. And we are up for the mission. We’re excited! And God is bringing many people and pieces together already. He has been preparing all of us for such a time as this.
There’s nothing like witnessing the plan of God unfold in our lives in such a personal way. And I am amazed how God brings a cycle of harvest around in increased measure. I’m seeing all the seeds of prayer that went up years ago as a Flight Attendant, and then later after receiving a divine word from the woman in my church, be answered in the framework of a mission, in which many will participate. I am so blessed to be a part of it all.
What adventure is God leading you to? Have you stepped up to the call? I encourage you to not miss the opportunities He has for you. He’ll lead you every step of the way. He’ll put the resources in your path. Just receive His provision; exercise higher faith; say, “Yes, Lord.” And go.
Margaret D. Mitchell is the Founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ.