Jump...

Recently, I have been inundated with people who do not know Christ. 
Granted, this is not new to me; I did not grow up in a Christian home nor know Jesus until college.
Nonetheless, a sea of lost-ness is bringing havoc to my heart.  It is a burden that I cannot escape. I pray that their eyes be opened to receive salvation, yet I find myself asking, "How can they NOT see Jesus in EVERYTHING they do?"  After all, He is everywhere at all times.
Then God, with His unending mercy and grace, sweeps over me and I am reminded of where I have come from. 

I was once that lost girl, afraid to go to church, scared of what would be revealed. There were plenty of bad decisions in my wake and I was ashamed. I could not understand how anyone, especially God, would forgive my blatant sins. Furthermore, I had no right to approach God and ask for such a thing...or so I thought.  Despite my flawed theology,  Jesus did not give up on me.  He pursued me relentlessly.  He waited patiently through my skepticism and doubt. Then, he swooped in to rescue me just when I needed Him the most.

Millions of people around the world are missing out on a life with Christ.  Either they are running from Him, or they sadly have not heard of His greatness.  Either way, it is a crisis. 
We all need salvation. 
We all need Jesus. 

In my short life as a Christian I have seen the faithfulness of my God.  He gives direction when the road is unclear. His presence brings peace in a scary, unpredictable situation.  He sends grace when the world overwhelms me and comfort when I am broken.  He shelters me through the storm and makes all things new.  He is truth in a fallen world.

I have had a glimpse of who God is and the faithfulness of his character. I often imagine the day when my family and friends and people all around the globe finally experience this too.  He is waiting with arms open wide to adopt them into the family of Christ. 

What is our role in seeing this become a reality?
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he gave us a command, "Go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." (Matt. 28:19)
Jesus said that our job is to tell people about himself.  Share his love and expand the Kingdom of God. (John 13:34-35)

God will call each of us into the ministry designed specifically for us.  It may mean selling everything and moving to Uganda.  It may mean leading an in-home small group. Whatever it is, we are to follow his lead to bring people to Him.  If you feel God leading you to something outside your comfort zone, don't hesitate or back down.  After all, God knows what is best for you and He wants to use you for his glory.  God wants to call you to greater dependence on Him.  It is there that you see His strength and power and glory. 

I can think of no good reason for not saying 'yes' to God's call. 
On the contrary, I can think of hundreds of reasons to jump on board. You will see God work in ways you could have never imagined.  You will experience a new level of adoration for Christ.  Lost souls that you encounter will be brought to life.  Your soul will be refreshed and renewed.  The list can go on and on.  Point is, God wants to use you.  Lost and hurting souls are seeking restoration and completeness and you hold the answer.  Won't you jump when He calls? 

Had God not saved me when He did, I tremble to imagine where I would be now. 
Without a doubt, I would be missing out on this amazing journey He has set out for me. 

My continuous prayer is for those people in my life, and those I have yet to meet, that their eyes would be opened to the fullness of life offered through Jesus.  I pray that barriers be removed to see how great is our God and that the church not be afraid to follow when called.