For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord [in prayer] will be saved.” But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)? And how will they preach unless they are commissioned and sent [for that purpose]? Just as it is written and forever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15 AMP)
One of the 2025 goals God gave our church was to see 200 people believe in Christ and pray to receive him as Savior. Two Sundays ago a lady who was a first-time visitor became our 200th person, and we praised God! Last Sunday, there were three more men who made that important and life-giving choice. One of the three men was deaf or hearing-impaired, and as soon as that was mentioned, a woman from our church—who is trained as an ASL interpreter—immediately stood up and began signing the pastor’s message. The moment caught me by surprise. What a beautiful gift it was: God had already anticipated this man’s need and had prepared someone to help him “hear” the Word.
This brought me back to a scripture I’ve heard many times: So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. (Romans 10:17 NLT) All of us come to faith because the Holy Spirit draws us, and the Word speaks to us about the Good News of Jesus. Evidently, the Holy Spirit had been working on these three men. But, what if she had not been there so that the deaf man could hear the invitation to God?
What if no one had ever told YOU about Jesus?
What if there was no one who spoke your language?
What if there was no one who communicated God’s Truth in a way you could hear it?
How different would your life be now?
Sunday a woman who had been a missionary in Honduras for 32 years showed pictures of individual lives that had been impacted by the Lord through her ministry. It reminded me of the line in the Ray Boltz song, “Thank you for giving to the Lord; I am a life that was changed.” The many people she ministered to, the three men yesterday, and hundreds of thousands of others worldwide who came to faith in this last week are all lives that are changed because someone told them about Jesus.
The Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it… (Matthew 24:14 NLT)
Let us continue to boldly and lovingly proclaim the Good News of Jesus to all people in all places in all ways – until ALL have heard!
God,
Thank you, Lord, for the lives transformed by your Good News—both those who found salvation this week and those who have been walking with you for many years. We praise you for continually reaching out to the lost, calling them by name, and drawing them through your Holy Spirit.
We are grateful that you have raised up “laborers for the harvest,” and we acknowledge that the harvest is now. Stir a deep desire in each member of your Church to share the Good News until everyone has had the chance to hear it.
Awaken a hunger in us to do whatever it takes to ensure your message reaches all people. While we know not everyone will choose the gift of life you offer, we pray that your Church will intentionally and lovingly reach every person—so each one has the opportunity to decide for themselves. May we be those who help fulfill your calling to make disciples of all nations. We pray these in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
Because you are precious in My sight,
You are honored and I love you,
I will give other men in return for you
and other peoples in exchange for your life. (Isaiah 43:4 AMP)