The Clashing Realities of Brave Choices

"But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. . ."
(I Cor. 16:8-9)

The harsh clashing realities that Paul describes is what our frontline workers face every day. And that is why I do what I do. Recently, I got to hear their stories firsthand. Despite war, bombed cities, collapsed economy, nowhere to find a doctor to deliver a baby, and persecution, many have “stayed on” in their “Ephesus”—because Jesus has opened wide a great door for effective work. Yet, the reality is that every open door comes with open opposition. The more effective the work, the greater the opposition, in the natural and in the spiritual, in the physical and in the emotions. Yet, their attitudes amaze me. Last week, I thanked a worker for serving in a hard place. Her reply was, “Everyone makes a big deal of it. But I’m the one who is the most blessed.”

I could even sense the heaviness when we first met, because many are “under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired of life itself.” (2 Cor. 1:8) Yet, like Paul, each mentioned that “this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God.” (v.9) Like Paul, each testified how God has delivered them, and He will deliver again. (v.10) We then had the joy of praying with them until the heaviness lifted and we sensed the rushing refreshment of the Holy Spirit.

Recently, I was also talking to a young family from Taiwan who just got equipped. He is an engineer who received a lucrative offer from a multi-national Taiwan-based company. But instead, they are preparing to go to a hard place with their little ones. My heart aches with pride for them. The wife said to me, “Why should we go to places where others are already sharing Jesus? Should we not go to where others are not going?” They have chosen their “Ephesus.”

Our workers are my heroes. I want to thank each of you who have encouraged, supported, and prayed for our people in All Nations. Many of you have wept at their losses. You have celebrated their milestones, loved their kids, and encouraged their marriages. Many of you have visited them, housed them, and set aside the day to hear their war stories. They are my heroes. When life has gotten challenging or weary, I’ve been tempted to switch to an easier job or a better paying opportunity. But again and again, I come back to this: What could be worthier of my life than to serve His servants, His workers on the frontlines where Jesus is not yet named.

So, let us together heed Paul’s concluding exhortation on facing these clashing realities:

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”
(I Cor. 16:13-14)

Dr. Mary Ho, DSL

All Nations International, Inc. | International Executive Leader
Reaching the neglected globally -- the least, the last, and the lost
comm@allnations.international
www.allnations.international

P.S. So where did Paul go at Pentecost after Ephesus? He was determined to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost where the Holy Spirit forewarned him of suffering and imprisonment. (Acts 19.21; 20.16,22) Another clashing reality: suffering and Pentecost go hand-in-hand!

P.P.S. Please take a moment to view our NEW VIDEO. We hope ministry leaders, pastors, youth pastors will share this and help identify and guide those who may be wired to go serve or support those who do go! We want to come alongside you and be a blessing to any who need us! It's On! To learn more, link here.

Staying Connected or Learning More

Help share this and other blogs with your friends and ministry leaders! It would also be a huge help if you could please follow us on social media via the links below! Thank you!

If you would like to receive leadership updates, link here to stay current on All Nations International’s news and prayer efforts! To learn more about All Nations today, visit: www.allnations.international!

Are you wondering if you are wired to go? This area on our web site will help you!

We have plenty other resources (devotion, book club, events) and a monthly global prayer for the neglected! You are welcome to join us.

Give today to see the neglected globally reached — the least, the last, and the lost!

www.allnations.international

Reaching the neglected globally — the least, the last, and the lost since 1993.

Featured