3 minute read
Facing Forward
God always calls his people and his church to “face forward” and not to look back, no matter how difficult or treacherous the journey may be. Jesus certainly demonstrated a determination to face forward in his own life. Luke 9:51 says that when the time was approaching that he would be crucified, Jesus “steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem.” In other words, he did not turn back or cower in fear. A few verse later, in Luke 9:62, Jesus emphasized that anyone following him should exhibit this same quality when he said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (NKJV). The men and women in the Bible who God used to do great things were those who were determined to walk with God, boldly facing the future, not running from it. When names like Abraham, Moses, David, Daniel, Hannah, Deborah, and Mary come to mind, one does not think of people who looked back with regret and fear, but rather as people who were always moving in a forwardfacing direction with their heart attuned to the leading of the Spirit of God. On the other hand, the Scripture greatly condemns those who turn or desire to go back when the way forward seems to be a path of difficulty. That is what happened to the Israelites who mourned for the flesh pots of Egypt when things became hard and, consequently, they died in the wilderness without ever making it to the Promise Land.
The Church of God must be a forwardfacing church that is determined to follow God wherever he may lead. We cannot look back and wish to return to how things used to be. We are living in a very different world than our forefathers. We must refuse to be afraid and choose to trust God instead of our feelings. As you read this issue of the White Wing Messenger dedicated to missions, you will encounter men and women living boldly and ministering under difficult circumstances. Read carefully, look at the pictures, watch the videos, and you will find stories of those who are determined to labor with God in building his kingdom. Many of them have had their lives threatened, some of them have been beaten, and they have often suffered great hardships economically, socially, and physically. Yet, they continue with the Lord’s work, not looking back and not desiring to quit. Their faithfulness is an encouragement that should compel us all to greater works for the kingdom of God.
As always, thank you for your continued prayerful and financial commitment to Global Missions. Your support is another way of “facing forward.” It is a testimony that you believe in what your brothers and sisters around the world are doing, and you show your faith when you uphold them in this manner. It is also an affirmation that we are “on mission” together to reconcile the world to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
