Packed and Ready to Go?

By: Jamie Lind, COO Revive New England

My final weeks of pregnancy with our son were such a busy time. We made sure his crib was assembled, diapers stocked, onesies clean and folded in drawers… Although we were given a “due date”, my body and my brain were both sending a clear message of, “It could happen any time now, are you ready!?” Women & Infants Hospital had given us birthing classes and checklists to help us confidently prepare for this brand-new experience, but we needed to make sure our bag was packed and READY TO GO!

In Matthew, chapter 10:1-24, Jesus called his disciples to prepare them for a trip. He gave them the authority they were going to need to represent Him in the cities and towns where he was sending them to do the work He had been doing on the earth. Their mission was to announce to the people of Israel that the Kingdom of God was at hand, and to prove it to them by healing their sickness and removing their oppression- to “freely give as they had freely received.”

Instead of giving them a checklist for what to pack on their journey, Jesus actually gave them instructions for what NOT to take – no money, no extra clothing or shoes, or even a walking stick. He promised that they would find shelter in a godly man’s home and that those who they ministered to would feed and care for them while they were there. The rest of the passage offers somber warnings of rejection and persecution, along with the promise of divine wisdom and strength to carry them through.

Jesus gave them His authority and sent them out to operate by faith – faith that their words would be confirmed with His power and that all their physical needs would be met as they walked in obedience to His command. He invited them to walk as He walked – living on the food of obedience to the will of the Father and manifesting the power of the Spirit to confirm His will for those He came to save. He emphasized what they should NOT bring for natural provisions, to make room for the power and favor of God to meet their needs SUPER-naturally.

Are we ready to give God our YES? To consecrate ourselves for the Master’s use? To make ourselves available to answer the call – whenever He says it’s time to GO? As we prepare, our bags must be packed ONLY with what is necessary. May we be full of faith in His Word and His power; confidence in His grace and favor to pave the way... HE will empower our success in every mission.