Missions

     In 1 Thessalonians Paul writes about being persecuted and the encouragement that he received from the church of the Thessalonians.  He and his companions was encouraged because of their faith.  "Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.  For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.  How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of your God because of you?  Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith." It does not say he was encouraged because they were finding a way to keep him from the persecution.  No, he was revitalized by seeing their steadfast faith which he had helped to cultivate.  Is my life lived for such a purpose?  That even in the midst of great suffering I would have great joy all because my loved ones kept a strong faith?
     To truly live is to live for God.  What does that look like?  We are given very important instruction by Jesus.  "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations..."  If I am being obedient to that, then one of my greatest joys should be seeing the fruit of it.  And then for Paul to be praying earnestly that they could return to the people to encourage and build them up in their faith even more - What a heart for missions!
    My challenge today is to peach the good news wherever I go.  Yes, I have the freedom to do that.  As I said yesterday I am beyond thankful for that blessing.  But do I even utilize it?  Christians all over the world are being persecuted -tortured- for the cause of spreading God's word because they do not have that freedom.  What am I doing?