How Does A Nation Find Its Way Into Your Heart?

(part four)


We must ask the question: Am I in this for the long haul? Most assuredly, the answer will affect the way and to what depth you and I will pray? For some, the strategy for going to a nation is what I would call “wam-bam and thank you mam” or “blow-in, blow-up and blow-out”. But for these, their prayers may lack that one, defining element that would make the most difference.

Are you willing to lie on your face and for hours at a time with tearful intercessions, even before going to the nations? Can you allow a region or nation to swell so big in your chest that it feels like it will consume you?

I’m reminded of the life story of William Carey, now called “The Father of Modern Missions”. He knew at an early age that he was called to go to the nations, but he was not released to go until much later. I believe it was at least ten years before God gave the “green light” to go to India. But during those years, there was one thing that consumed Mr. Carey. It wasn’t “the call” that tormented him (some of us have experienced this in the process of getting there). It wasn’t the feeling of being placed on the “proverbial shelf” while in preparation (and some of us have experienced this too).

For William Carey, one of the most celebrated missionaries throughout the history of the Church, the one, consuming factor was prayer and intercession. He partnered with Jesus. William did not see those ten years as a waste of time. No. He used them wisely to pray for the nations.

Mr. Carey was a cobbler’s helper. He collected scraps of left-over leather and wove a leather globe. He then picked up a fountain pen, dipped it into an ink well, and then commenced to draw the continents and nations upon this leather globe. It is said that, by the time he set sail from England to India, Young William’s leather globe was so tear-stained the continents and nations were beyond recognition. The globe was black with his tears.

Dear brother or sister please let this challenge be as God’s hand to lift you out of any self-indulgence. Hear God’s heart, as it beats for you and the nations! God has already proclaimed, “The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom of our God.” He wants to use you and me to bring in the families of the nations to worship Him. Close your eyes but for a moment, and begin to see them coming in. They’re coming: one-by-one, two-by-two, ten at a time, hundreds and more to come. Within the myriad of those coming into the Kingdom of God there is a clear representation of every tribe, tongue and nation.

Intercession for a nation can be compared to a pioneering work, where one takes out his or her machete and whacks a trail for others to follow. This is often the case, when one is called to go to a nation. Much work can be accomplished upon our knees, which become the forerunning factor in our ministries.

Remember, John the Baptist helped prepare the way before the Christ. Fulfilling scripture, he helped: make straight the paths, bring down mountains, and bring up valleys.

You and I can be participants in such a ministry through intercession. But it’s the dirty work. It’s the work of the unsung hero. It is to be compared with belonging to a pack of the nameless and faceless, whose goal is the see Jesus lifted high - totally exalted - among the nations.

Remember these things as you go. You are the “GO” in the Gospel. GO for it!