Becoming a laborer for Christ in South Asia

I have been a follower of Jesus Christ for over 15 years. I have learned a lot about following Him throughout this time and honestly, I have a lot more to learn about following Him. In no way do I claim to have all of the answers, wisdom, understanding or experience. But, I do have what He has been teaching me lately and that is what I am writing about today.

I have read Luke 10 multiple times, and I have taken notes throughout my share of Sunday mornings, Wednesday evenings, retreats, conferences and planning meetings. However, the Father has really deepened my understanding of this passage and how I can apply it to my life throughout my time in South Asia. 

What I really want to emphasize is verse 2.

"And he said to them, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'" 

This is something that I love to praying for. It is a good thing to pray for. I have seen the statistics of unreached peoples and I know it is a good thing to ask for and to share with our brothers and sisters. 

Let's put this into perspective though. There are over 7.4 billion people in this world and every day there are over 200,000 people born and approximately 100,000 people dying. These 7.4 billion people check us out at HEB, drive beside us on I-35, sit at the desk or cubicle next to us at school and work, and lead lives just like we do. These people live in the U.S.A., Canada, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East and all throughout the ends of the earth. These people are not just numbers, they are people with a story and they are made in the image of Him and have been made to worship Him. 

This means there is a ton of harvest that is just waiting for the next day, living life and searching for the truth in the world. The very truth that we know is transforming us into new creations each and every day as we pursue Him. The truth that changed history because of the Father's kindness and love for us no matter how many times we were disobedient, didn't trust Him or didn't consider Him worthy of all that we are. The truth that Jesus Christ chose to sacrifice himself and would rise again three days later to triumph over death, sin, lies and all of the evil in the world. 

Friends, I am tired of simply asking for the Father to raise up laborers for this incredible harvest. Now, I am asking not only that He would raise up laborers, but that He would begin to shape me into the laborer that He needs me to be. I want to become a willing and passionate laborer for Jesus Christ no matter where it takes me or what it costs me. I am learning each and every day that He is worthy of everything I can humbly offer Him. Friends, I boldly encourage you and challenge you to lift up this same prayer.

I am not saying that this is an easy journey or one that I want in every single moment. I have struggles and desires and sin in my life. Some days I want to lay in bed and tune out the world around me or enjoy the comfortable silence on the train rather than awkwardly address someone to share. 

Following Him and becoming a laborer takes us on a hard adventure that is far beyond our comfort zone and what we know. Throughout His Word, time and time again, people are annoyed, aggravated and filled with angered by others sharing of the Good News. The word "wolves" is not placed there by accident: following Jesus Christ is not safe, but He is the good Shepherd. He has already laid down His life for us. Thankfully, my hope is not in anyone but the Father and Jesus Christ's love on the cross, and the power of the Holy Spirit within me. 

In no way do I promise that joining me in this prayer for your life will be easy, but I do promise that it will be worth it because of the King that we serve. Know that the King is greater than the work we are doing. Let us worship the King and ask that He would help us become the laborers that are needed in Luke 10:2 for the glorious day in Revelation 7:9-10. 

"After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude, that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'"

Katie, a senior at The University of Texas in Austin, is serving in South Asia as a Go Now Missionary.