His first words to His first disciples were, “Come, follow me.” He gathered a group of men and women and got moving. From the Sea of Galilee to the Mt. of Olives. From Jerusalem to Calvary. He was on the move. And his final words before ascending into heaven we, “Go into all the world.“ Come. Go. Follow. It’s not hard to recognize that Jesus came to start a movement not build a monument.
2000 years later, He is still on the move. He doesn’t invite us to stay where we are and as we are. He doesn’t encourage us to settle in or hunker down, to circle up and hang on until He returns. Not at all. He invites us off the bench and into the action. Off the sidelines and into the game. He wants us to take a next step, make another move, start a conversation, build a relationship, run the race.
If you’re heading out on a short-term ministry trip, way to go! You are moving! You didn’t have to join this team and go on this trip. You could have put it off. You could have stayed where you were, played it safe, opted for a more comfortable option. But you didn’t; you stepped up. You stepped forward. That’s what following Jesus looks like. Well done.
Keep it up. The journey has only just begun. For this trip to be all God intends it to be, you’re going to need to keep following, keep walking, keep stretching. Jesus says, “Follow Me,” as you participate in your Team Training. He has things to show you and teach you. He says, “Follow Me,” as you get on a plane or bus. He’ll be with you to comfort and strengthen you. He says, “Follow Me,” into new experiences, new relationships, new opportunities. Make sure you’ve got some good sneakers and a fitbit because this trip is all about helping you get your steps in!
Now as you go, let me just encourage you to not just walk but walk wisely. It’s easy to get sidetracked. It’s all too common to think that you’re heading down a good path only to discover that you’ve gotten off course. Be thoughtful. Be wise. Listen to your leaders. Follow your national hosts. Don’t simply take steps that feel right in the moment. Consider what’s best for your global partners long-term. Set them up for success. Enable them to keep walking, to keep making progress even after you’re gone.
That’s what this is about — a life-long walk. One step at a time. This isn’t a quick sprint. It’s one step in a life-long journey of faith — walking by faith into the remarkable story that God is writing. I can’t wait to see what’s up ahead. I’m proud of you for taking this step. I’m cheering you on as you move forward. I’m praying for you as you go. Keep listening for Jesus as He calls to you, “Follow Me!”
What is that small — or possibly big — next step that you need to take? Be specific. Make it tangible. Share with some of your teammates what your next step looks like.
Dr. Paul McGuinness 