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Beyond Borders

2 Timothy 2:8-9 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel; wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.

In past centuries, geographical formations (oceans, mountains, and deserts, for example), limited means of travel, ruling powers, and language barriers created obstacles that kept the majority of humanity within boundaries of land and culture. With the invention of fast and reasonably inexpensive transportation and instant worldwide communication, those borders have, in effect, dissolved. However, one field is often still restricted: the mind.

The enlargement of the kingdom of God cannot be stopped by governments, locked doors, or human frailty. Our God’s ability, power, and willingness is infinite. Only we can hinder His work in and through us. Moses claimed a lack of fluency disqualified him to speak to Pharaoh. But how much ability would have been enough to free the Israelites? Without God, no amount of eloquence could accomplish that, but with God, availability was sufficient. The Lord supplied what no human could provide. My inabilities cannot stop Jesus unless I set them up as roadblocks in my experience or excuses for weak faith. I cannot pray for someone on the street. I cannot teach a Bible study. Our church does not have the music, people, or whatever resources or influence to spark a revival in my city. Those are our borders, not God’s. Let us expect divine opportunities, open doors, and Holy Ghost power.

Another area where we find borders in our minds is personal consecration. We reach a comfortable place in our relationship with the Lord and relax. To get closer to God demands effort, so we settle, build our fence, and rest where we are happy. Please hear me: each of us is as close to God as he or she wants to be. Do we want to be mighty in prayer? Do we want to be more skillful in the Word of God? Do we want to be more sensitive to the voice of Jesus? No person, place, or earthly leader can prevent our growing in those disciplines, and God desires that we take those steps. Who is stopping us? We limit ourselves with our own boundaries.

Today feels like a good time to tear down my fences of excuses, doubt, and fear. I am going beyond the borders to get closer to Jesus, to expand my evangelism efforts, and to live in strong faith and the power of the Holy Ghost. How about you? Missionary Bethany Sledge