God's Heart for the Nations: A Growing Passion

Isaiah 49:6 ~

He says,

“It is not enough for you to be My Servant

raising up the tribes of Jacob

and restoring the protected ones of Israel.

I will also make you a light for the nations,

to be My salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Revelation 7:9 ~

After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hands.

My first intense exposure to missions was as a student in college in the early 1980’s. I remember sitting in rapt attention as different international workers would speak and share their stories. I would feel a deep desire stirring within my soul. God had instilled within me a heart to reach the nations. I wanted to go overseas as a missionary. 

And yet, due to various circumstances, that was not to be. But that same stirring is still within me. I do my best to support missions in other ways. God, in His graciousness, has allowed me to reach the nations as the Alliance Women’s director for our district which supports our international workers. I am a resource for our international workers and a liaison between them and our local churches. I’ve been able to raise money for various overseas projects. I serve on the Alliance World Fellowship women’s ministry team and have been able to teach some webinars and encourage women around the world through my books and teaching. God is fulfilling the desire of my heart, but in a way that looks very different than I imagined and, in many ways, on a larger scale than I could have ever dreamed.

Isaiah was obedient to God’s calling on His life and we can see the result of that in Revelation 7:9. But Isaiah is not alone. God calls us each to have a small part in reaching the nations of this world. It may be through reaching out to your neighbor who is different than you, or volunteering in an English as a Second Language program or refugee ministry. It may be by answering God’s call to go overseas. As we walk in obedience and follow God’s leading in reaching those around us, we are collectively fulfilling the Great Commission to go and reach the nations for Christ.

The nations are on the move and if we have a kingdom perspective, we can see that God is moving them to allow them Gospel access. Are you developing a growing passion to reach this world for Christ? Are you ready to reach out to your neighbors or people you come across who may look or think differently than you do? 

One day we will stand before the throne of God, shoulder to shoulder, with people from all nations, tongues and tribes. Let’s be part of God’s love for the world and be a light to the nations.