February 2019
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31)
Missionaries are many times acutely aware to the satanic barrage awaiting them day after day, week after week, month after month, and, yes, year after year as they serve in unreached, least reached and misreached corners of the globe. Like Peter, they tell the Lord in prayer, as well as their supporters in letters: “I am ready to go with [the Gospel], both into prison, and to death!” But, what they are ready to do and what they actually end up doing may end up being two different things…as in Peter’s case, initially.
Serving in East Africa afforded me ample opportunities to visit tribal homes where women were either grinding corn between two rocks, or beating it inside a large, deep bowl. This action parallels the idea of what Satan desired for Peter–to grind him to powder! Satan desired this because he saw Christ’s investment in Peter’s life, and, therefore, his potential for ministry!
As supporters, I believe that our prayers for missionaries are much like those of Christ’s for Peter. Yes, Christ was speaking prophetically to Peter whereas we cannot. But, we do know three things: Satan’s fury is fierce, the missionary’s fire is fervent, and God’s faithfulness is firm! We can pray that the faith of our missionaries be upheld during sifting sessions which we already know Satan will instigate! Christ’s investment in our missionaries’ lives is valuable, and their potential for ministry is great. After Peter recovered, He heralded forth salvation during great opposition while, at the same time, strengthening his brethren! Jesus prayed for him!
We thank you for every time you pray with urgency and fervency for your missionary!
Your friend & servant
Rodney Myers
GFF Director