I will choose to live on Mission

Last month, I encouraged each of you to look and assess where you are at in your Life on Mission. For each of us, it looks different. It is not where you are at that matters, it is that you choose not to stay still that makes all the difference. This month, we will focus on how to daily walk the Mission out in YOUR life.

Below I have outlined two steps to Life on Mission. Before you read them, take note of two things.

1) It may seem as though we have already discussed the first step. However, this action is so pivotal that it must not be excluded from being mentioned.

2) The second stage builds upon the first, so do not skip step one. Perhaps you feel as though you have succeeded in both stages. That is wonderful! But know that God’s Mission has not been fulfilled, and there are still many that do not know God. You are not done. We are still called to go and make disciples. Start at step one once more and listen for the Holy Spirit to guide you on your way.

Stage One: Pray Missional Prayers

Pray for the Global Mission.

Begin praying missional prayers that are outside your personal world. Pray over countries and cities. Pray for disciples to be made and multiplied. Pray for the broken, the hurting, and the poor. Pray to have a heart for the lost. Ask God to expand your appreciation for all His children, not just those that look and act like you do.

Don't know where to start praying globally? The Joshua Project has an amazing podcast that highlights different people groups everyday.

Podcast: Unreached People of the Day

Pray for the Local Mission.

The Local Mission is the one right outside your door. Pray specific prayers for those in your life that do not know God. Pray over your city. Pray over your street and neighborhood. Pray over your local grocery store and your post office. No matter where you live there are those that need-to-know Christ. There are those that need discipling. There are those that need to know what their mission is as a disciple of God. Ask God to open your eyes to see them wherever you might go.

Stage Two: Be Present and Available to the Mission

Often, we ignore those hurting around us because we simplydo not pay attention. A Life on Mission is a life awake and present to the Mission no matter where it might be.

So, you are aware of those that need God. What happens next? Ask the Holy Spirit and be available to obey. He is our constant help and guideand the one that empowers us to share. The method in which we are to respond can look different each time, but if we are following the Holy Spirit’s lead, we are Living on Mission.

Talking to strangers about God or even those within your sphere of influence can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time. A great way to begin is to share your testimony. This is simply telling those around you who God is to you, and what He has done in your life. It does not have to be complicated, just genuine.

Preparing Your Testimony

Cru provides a great evangelism resource on how to prepare your testimony for sharing with others.

Several helpful tips include:

• Pray before you write out and share your story
• Write the way you speak
• Don't be overly negative or positive. Be honest.
• Don't criticize or name any church, denomination, organization, etc.
• Think about you listeners. Avoid overly religious terms.
• Keep it short. Aim to tell your story in 3-5 minutes.
• Practice telling your story until it becomes natural.

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