Hudson Taylor once said, “There are three stages in the work of God: impossible, difficult, done.” The Great Commission, God’s call to share the everlasting gospel, can sometimes seem impossible. When you think of the over three billion people in the world who have never heard the good news, the task can seem overwhelming. But the Great Commission is not simply a command. It is also a promise. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus says that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him, and then in verse 20 He promises that He will be with us to the very end. What God says happens. It is not a question of whether the Great Commission of spreading the gospel everywhere will happen but whether we will choose to partner with God and be a part of the great work to take place.
Growing up, I loved reading and hearing stories about great missionaries such as Hudson Taylor, Eric B. Hare and David Livingstone. Their lives of self-sacrifice and complete surrender to God inspired me, but they also made me feel inadequate and a little inferior. How could a young man like myself do the great things that missionaries like Hudson Taylor did? But God tells us in His word, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). It is God who supplies the strength and ability to accomplish great things for Him.
In 2018, I served in Southeast Asia as a volunteer English teacher (a student missionary). That year forever changed my perspective on life and what truly matters. That year grew me in many ways and taught me skills I will forever carry. After my time in Southeast Asia, I studied International Development at Southern Adventist University. Having recently graduated from Southern, I am excited to serve as the Assistant Manager for AFM Europe, where I help inspire and equip a generation of missionaries to go and reach the unreached. The Great Commission is ultimately a promise that the gospel will go to all nations, tribes, tongues and peoples. Only one question remains. Will I let God use me? I pray every day that my answer will always remain affirmative. Will your answer bring joy in the heavenly courts as well?
