“It’s on the blood of its martyrs that the kingdom is expanded.”
My breath caught in my throat as I listened to these words pour from the mouth of an unassuming ordinary woman. She wasn’t just randomly, nonchalantly saying this, NO! She was staring this possibility in the face.
I was at the Asia Conference for EFCA ReachGlobal in Cha Am, Thailand. Missionaries serving in countries all over Asia had gathered together to be encouraged, challenged and empowered to continue serving in their respective areas.
I’m a newbie to all of this and it was my first opportunity to connect with our missionaries serving in Asia. I spent every moment I could meeting with these amazing people, asking questions and learning about how God was working through them.
These people are the giants of Christianity. They’re the “Pauls” and “Peters” of today, willing to sacrifice everything to take the gospel to those who have never heard.
One of those “Pauls”, was Jen (name changed) serving with her husband in North Korea.
Soon after they had taken a trip inside this hostile country a man was arrested and thrown in jail and she came face to face with the reality that what they were pursuing would be dangerous. She agonized over whether they should continue this ministry if it meant the possibility of never seeing her grandkids again. Were they being foolish? She shared with her daughter the turmoil she was facing and it was her daughter who said, “Mom it’s on the blood of its martyrs that the Kingdom is expanded!”
Who says things like that? Who is willing to give up their mom for the cause of Christ?
Those who live and breathe knowing one day they will stand in the presence of the One who risked everything to save them!
“What have I sacrificed for the Kingdom? What am I willing to sacrifice for Jesus?” I felt my heart crack into a thousand pieces! I have sacrificed NOTHING for the Kingdom! My idea of sacrifice has been skipping Starbucks for a day, putting a few extra dollars in the offering plate, or buying a friend, lunch. In comparison to what these faithful missionaries have sacrificed my offerings have been feeble at best, and non-existent at worst.
I felt unworthy to be in their presence. Not because they were perfect and had it all together but because they were living life totally sold out to Jesus Christ and it was breathtaking! It was contagious! I wanted to follow Jesus like this!
With tears pouring down my face, I kneeled down, arms outstretched and said, “God, you can have everything! I don’t want to hold anything back. I give it ALL to You.”
This sacrificial living isn’t just for those serving around the globe. God calls each of us, who claim to follow Him, to live a life of sacrifice, a life of radical obedience. He doesn’t just call missionaries to live a life of risk. We all are to live that way . . . so if God calls you to give, you better give sacrificially. If God calls you to pray than you better be banging on the doors of heaven. If God calls you to serve, then serve unreservedly! And may you experience the joy of seeing God’s kingdom expanded!
Spilling His grace,
Kristi
Grace Spilled Over 