Go: A 40-Day Journey To The Never ReachedSample

Follow the Father

By: Jonathan Lowrance

Walking out of the Tokyo train station. We’re instantly swallowed by a sea of people. We came to a crosswalk named “Scramble” where people on every side wait for a green light. Stopping, I glanced at my four-year-old daughter. Her tiny hand firmly in mine. She trusted that I knew the way. Her sole focus was to simply follow the father. What a perfect analogy of how our heavenly Father goes before us. No matter what, it’s who goes before us that matters most.

Reading the story of Jesus, I’m notice he was always two steps ahead of his followers. I see two distinct benefits in this. First, as the disciples learned they could trust his leadership, their faith developed into a powerful fear-killing force. This leads to the second benefit—the disciples could clearly see their own path by following Jesus’ example. 

At times, I’ve found myself veering from God’s intended route, as if to say, “It’s okay God, I can take it from here.” 

Just as the angel sent trustworthy messengers to direct his disciples, God often sends people into our lives with direction. Before our first missionary term in Japan, I visited with a pastor. I was full of passion for the never reached in Japan yet uncertain about the specifics of future ministry. The pastor encouraged us to work in our areas of strength. That word turned out to be the catalyst for our ministry direction. 

What does this mean for us as his children? We can have the reassurance and peace of knowing that he has not asked us to go anywhere that he himself has not been first. You’re not lost without a hand to hold. God is in control, he goes before you. Hold tightly to his promises, and simply follow the Father. 

Go Before!

Look back at your life and ministry and trace the evidence of God’s leading you, preparing the way before you, and preparing you. With this clearer picture in mind, where might the trajectory of God’s leading take you next? Are you ready to say yes and step out in faith?

Pray

Never reached People Group: The Japanese

Pray that God will raise up and empower believers from Japan to build a strong church to reach their own people.