Mission Trip Prayer & Devotional Planنموونە

“What God Wants of You”

The prophet Micah expressed God’s deep frustration with his people. Micah’s book offers a searing condemnation of the nation of Israel, beginning with its leaders — its religious leaders, its governmental leaders, its judges. Together they had become vicious predators. They cared only for their own welfare.

It is a crying shame how far God’s people have fallen. They were meant to flourish, showing the world what a life of justice can be. God intended this people to lead the way in setting his broken world right. Instead, they are leading the way in greed and callous carelessness. It should not be so! It breaks God’s heart!

So what can be done? How should anybody respond to this? Should they make an extravagant dedication, sacrificing money and even children on God’s altar?

No, says Micah. God has shown you what he wants. It is not extravagant or grandiose. It is simple. You should practice justice. You should love mercy. And you should walk with God humbly, recognizing just how small and fallen you are.

On your upcoming mission trip, God is not seeking grandiose sacrifices or extraordinary gestures. He wants from you simple things. He wants to see you behaving in a just manner daily. That is, in a way that honors God’s law to love your neighbor as yourself. God also wants you to love mercy. Unlike the prophet Jonah, who could not forgive, you are to see mercy as the most beautiful set of clothes you can wear. And finally, God wants to see you turn to him — not showing off how great you are, but recognizing your own weaknesses and failings while keeping your hand tightly in God’s hand.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see myself the way you see me. Help me never to despair at my weaknesses, but to love the things you love and do the things you do.