Someone recently said in passing conversation, “The worst part of my day is going to work and the best part of my day is quitting time.” Certainly we live in an era where most Americans work far too many hours with far less true benefit. However there is something most followers of Christ miss when it comes to their work place. The work place is God’s mission field.
This morning I began a study in the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah is one of my favorite books. In this book, the prophet of God has been called to go and work with a people who are rebellious. These people do not like him, they seek to undermine his work. They have him demoted as a citizen and even throw him into a miry cistern. I wonder, does his work place seem like yours?
Maybe you are a missionary on a foreign field? Things are difficult. You do not speak their language. Their customs are so different and it seems that they reject every attempt you make in building a relationship. It can often be the same way for those whose mission field is their workplace. People speak a different language. They engage in conversation that is ungodly. They travel in circles that you cannot travel in. They refuse to allow you to build relationships.
Be assured Jeremiah understands what you are facing. He faced it as well, “But you, dress yourself for work; arise and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you,” 1:17. Jeremiah had a call on his life but this call did not ensure that he would not get discouraged, as you and I sometimes do.
Jeremiah needed more if he was going to stay with his call. You ask, “What did he need?” This is a very good question. Here is God’s answer, “They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you declares the Lord, to deliver you,” 1:19.
For me there is so much peace, power, and perspective in God’s word to Jeremiah. Oh what peace that comes to our lives when we know God is with us, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5. Oh what power we experience as we seek to be obedient in our field of work, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” Phil. 4:13. Oh what perspective that comes when we know God is with us,” I am with you even until the end of the age,” Matt. 28:20. Our God has had people in every age working their mission fields and He has given victory in each place.
So, today I encourage you to go to work. Work is your mission field. Our God goes with you. Our God works in you and through you for His glory. Take heart brothers and sisters, “He is on the job with you.”