Romans 10:14-17
But how can people call for help if they don’t know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven’t heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? That’s why Scripture exclaims,
A sight to take your breath away!
Grand processions of people
telling all the good things of God!
But not everybody is ready for this, ready to see and hear and act. Isaiah asked what we all ask at one time or another: “Does anyone care, God? Is anyone listening and believing a word of it?” The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am happy to report that I have never experienced a kidney stone. People who have gone through this say it is some of the worst pain you can ever imagine. I’ve never delivered a baby, so while I have no doubt that childbirth is painful and difficult for many women…I cannot speak to this firsthand. I’ve never served in the military – much less fought in a war – so I cannot begin to relate to the experiences of those who have done this. But there are plenty of people who are more than familiar with these events and all that they entail. When they say to those who share their experience, “I understand”…the other person knows that he/she is genuine and sincere. Perhaps you are one of these people.
There are things that all of us can speak to and use to show empathy and encouragement to others. From a shared loss of a loved one to physical illnesses to rearing a child with special needs…there is someone who is in the same boat with you. God may use this person to comfort and encourage you – or the tables may be turned, and YOU may be the mentor. The point is that when we can say to someone, “I understand” – and SHOW them that we truly do – they are more inclined to listen…and ultimately, to trust us.
This is what Paul is saying in this passage. People won’t care what you know until they know that you care. As they see you work through “life” with the joy and strength of the Holy Spirit always present, they will begin to hear what you have to say – and to believe what you are telling them. We are more apt to listen to someone who can “show and tell” how God has met his/her needs in a specific situation. If we share an experience, we are more likely to internalize this message and begin to accept that what God has done for someone else, He can – and will – do for us.
This scripture passage doesn’t seem to be a call to the mission field as much as it is a call to missions in general. In other words, “Bloom where you’re planted – just be sure that you BLOOM!” We need to take the life that God has given us and prayerfully use whatever parts He chooses to demonstrate and tell His message. We need to be genuine witnesses who speak and act in a way that others want to know about the God we serve. We must give people a reason to want to know more about God – and to trust Him for themselves.
Isaiah asked the question, “Does anybody care?” It’s a reasonable query. And the short answer is that people really do start to listen when they know that we care…when they see that we are genuine and sincere and truly in love with God, not just grandstanding. They listen when we are accessible, inclusive, loving, kind, merciful, non-judgmental, and gracious. They respond to the joy and peace in Christ Jesus that we demonstrate. They begin to trust for themselves because we took time to do the work to get them to this point.
This sounds like a lot of work, but it really isn’t! If you and I do what Christ has called us to do – if we serve in the manner that represents His love, grace, mercy and forgiveness…people will pay attention. They will see Jesus in us and want to know Him more for themselves. They will believe God’s promises and learn to trust Him in their own lives. This is the goal…this is the mission. How well are you doing?
©2019 Debbie Robus
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