THE NATIONS ARE WORTH IT

“Send me, Jesus, I’ll go” is a phrase we often hear repeatedly amongst Christian circles. Many of us are eager and have such a zeal to go to the nations and reach thousands for the glory of Jesus. However, do we really mean what we are saying? Have we truly counted up the cost of our obedience and surrender to the will of Jesus? See, I said those words last year when I signed up to be part of Oral Roberts University’s missions program. I was enthused about this incredible opportunity. I knew I was graduating, but that did not matter to me in that moment. I knew I had to surrender my plans and yield to the will of Jesus for my life. The funny thing about how I went through with this was that I told Jesus that if this assignment was for me, I would be part of a team going to a Spanish-speaking country. As the various countries at team reveal were listed, 99% of the South American countries were called off. I started to think, “Well, this isn’t for me then.” Lo and behold, the presenters realized that they had missed the nation of Panama, and my name was the very last one. I said, “Well, Jesus, you got me.” Hahahaha!

I began fundraising for this mission trip and received much support from amazing people who believe in Jesus’ calling on my life. Honestly, I did not know where or how the finances would come from, but I still chose to obey Jesus. Can I tell you that by the miracle-working power of Jesus, I was FULLY FUNDED for my trip BEFORE the 100% deadline! See, our obedience and surrender are all Jesus requires of us, and He takes care of the rest. Part of the program is a crucial week called “Ropes.” We learn practical ministry tools to help us be effective and Jesus-centered on the mission field. This week-long training can either make or break you. It reveals the hidden motives of our hearts about why we signed up for this mission. The directors and facilitators are intentional about every session and activity to see if “Send me, Jesus” is more than a cliche or if it is really our heart’s desire. Jesus began to uncover the vulnerable places in our souls and brought healing and freedom to so many. He even shifted our motives, selfish ambitions, and personal desires.

Literally, this was probably one of the toughest experiences of my life. I questioned if I was actually called to the nations anymore. The pressure of the challenges weighed heavy. I thought about throwing in the towel because I did not understand certain things at that moment. But that was my comfort, not my calling that was talking. It is imperative to distinguish the different voices in our lives. Often we make the mistake of listening to our comfort over the voice of Jesus. None of us like to be uncomfortable, and the enemy uses our discomfort to move us from the place Jesus has for us. Our current situation may not be the “best,” but what is the end goal? What is the ultimate purpose? The theme for ORU Missions is “Soli Deo Gloria,” meaning all glory to Jesus. Everything we do adds pieces to the bigger picture of Jesus being glorified in the nations.

A common question the facilitators asked us was, “Are the nations worth it?” I reflected on this deeply. Are the nations I will go to now and in the future worth it? Were they worth my “Yes,” now? Because my obedience today will determine how far I will go tomorrow. My obedience could not be predicated on my comfort. I did not take long to realize that the nations are worth it. After all, Jesus thought I was worth saving over 2,000 years ago. He had to endure far worse than I could ever imagine, yet I was worth it all. It is crazy to think that if you or I were the only people on earth, Jesus still would have gone through the gruesome cross. How selfish would allowing a “light affliction,” a little pain or discomfort, cause me to forsake carrying the Gospel to the nations? The nations are worth every tear, sweat, and blood for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My mere sacrifice could never compare to the ultimate sacrifice shown on Calvary.

Romans 10:1, 14-15 marked my life during this mission period. It says,

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

It is my heart’s desire and prayer to God that Panama and the nations of the world be saved. How will the nations hear without a preacher? Jesus is inviting us into His mission. He wants to use our feet to preach the Good News to a lost and dying world surrounded by the calamities and tragedies constantly surrounding them. We cannot ask Jesus to use us but have stipulations on the way He wants to use us. We cannot ask Jesus to send us, but unwilling to go where He calls. Our surrender to the plans of Jesus for our lives must be 100%. It is never about us, our preferences, feelings, or any of that. The nations do not care about them. Lost souls do not care about them. They want the Gospel. They want to see Jesus shining in and through us. They long for the freedom that only the truth of Jesus’ word can give them. Are they worth it? Are we willing to go through the refiner’s fire? Are we willing to undergo the training necessary to equip us for good works? Are we willing to do the inner healing to be whole people for the whole world? Are we willing to ask Jesus for a burden that will make us weep before Him in the midnight hour? Are we willing to push our plates back in fasting before Jesus because we desire more of Him?

As a recent graduate of Oral Roberts University, Jesus gave our Founder this vision,

Raise up your students to hear My voice, to go where My light is dim, where My voice is heard small, and My healing power is not known, even to the uttermost bounds of the earth. Their work will exceed yours, and in this I am well pleased.

Those words are not to be taken lightly. I do not believe it is simply a mandate for ORU students but believers everywhere because THE NATIONS ARE WORTH IT!