In church this morning we talked a lot about the metaphor used so often in church of the sower and he seed, planting the gospel. As I was listening I kept thinking that this planting of the seed of the gospel in others is really the missional work we’ve been talking about. That's really what we want to do when we are being missional is plant a seed that may grow to faith in someone. But the point made in the sermon was that it can be very frustrating sometimes. It takes a long time for plants to grow and other than water them we can do nothing to make the growth process faster.
I think the same is true for missional work. It can be very frustrating when we work so hard and care so much and see little to no growth. But the fact is there is nothing we can do to speed up the process, all we can do is have faith and let God do the actual work in the person’s heart. Especially when you embed yourself in the lives of those you are being missional toward it is difficult to be patient and let the spirit work in them while you do nothing but hope that the seed takes root.
I think this may be some if what scares us from mission is that it seems we can’t hardly make a difference because there’s no magic formula for introducing others to our faith and so it can feel like we’re not making any difference. This powerless feeling is part of the Christian faith though that we have to get used to, we can’t save anyone, only God can and unless we accept that mission is only ever going to be frustrating and tiresome.
Tim
there is something in us that wants to change people, but that isnt what we as missionaries are called to do. we are called to preach the gospel. this is liberating and gives all power and glory to God.
This is one of the most difficult things of speaking truth to people, they can only be receptive if there is something in them that actually wants to hear it and that something is God working on their hearts. We have been given the privilege to be a light and that is all we can do.