Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38, New American Standard Bible.)

Be careful when you follow this instruction from our Lord. If you ask Him to send laborers into His harvest field, He will send you.

Jesus’ ministry must have seemed overwhelming at times. Traveling from one town to another, being mobbed by crowds seeking healing and wanting to hear Him teach: It must have seemed like too much for one man. Jesus told His disciples to pray that God would send workers into His harvest. The next day, He appointed 12 to go from town to town, preaching and healing in His name. The disciples prayed, and God sent them.

The pattern has not changed. The harvest is still plentiful. While over a billion people worldwide claim to be Christians, there are billions more who have never accepted the Gospel; many have never even heard the Gospel of salvation. The Lord still seeks workers for His harvest field, to share the Gospel and invite others to follow Christ.

All who follow Christ are called to spread the Gospel. When you ask the Lord to send workers into His harvest, His answer is bound to be, “I am sending you to XXX.” He might send you to another country as a missionary. On the other hand, He might have a ministry for you wherever you are now. Every Christian has talents—both gifts from the Holy Spirit and natural abilities—that should be dedicated to Christ’s glory and the spreading of the kingdom of God.

Call out to God. Do not ask Him if you should share the Gospel or serve Him at church. The answer is already “Yes.” Instead, ask Him to show you where and how to serve Him. He has a place and a purpose for you in His harvest.

Do you know God’s purpose, place, and plan for you in ministry? How did He reveal it to you?

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.