Looking ahead can be very dangerous. If we are not careful, we can be consumed by the unknown circumstances that lie ahead. Will our plans fall apart? Will circumstances beyond our control prevent us from accomplishing our goals? Will our finances be sufficient tot he tasks we have planned? Satan enjoys the doubt and fear that creeps into our thoughts as we look ahead.
Jesus told us, “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.” (Matthew 6:34) But he also said, “What king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough.” (Luke 14:31) Paul wrote to the Romans, “Often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also.” (Romans 1:13 All Scriptures from the NASB). It is not looking ahead to plan that is the problem, it is our human frailty and tendency to allow doubt and fear to control our lives. Pride is the source of our fear in my opinion. Our real thoughts (a little self-revelation) are, “How will others look at me if I fail? How will others think of me if I lose everything.”
So, it is will great trust in Christ that we look ahead to 2016, the 70th year of ministry for Mission Services! That is correct, we will shortly begin celebrating “70 Years of Telling the Stories of World Missions.” It is fitting that the 2016 ICOM will be in Lexington, KY, the same city in which we celebrated our 50th anniversary! We are planning something special for the ICOM, and we are pleased that Mission Services has been selected as the Highlighted Mission for this great gathering.
Looking ahead is our request that you pray for this work. Earlier this week, in a planning session for the next ICOM, it was gratifying to have mission leaders and congregational leaders offer a “pat on the back” and a “well deserved” word of encouragement. Pray for God to lead us daily. The world has changed greatly since I became Executive Director in 1996. We have changed how we do things to embrace technology. We are doing the same thing today that was done in 1946, but God is using us to reach more people in more countries and allow more mission works to tell their story than ever before. All of the growth and advancement is to God’s glory.
Why am I busy planning for a big year in 2016? One reason, God is still on His throne. We are simply telling His story that He writes daily on the hearts of people through the efforts of faithful ministries. That alone makes 2016 a year to celebrate! You think about that!
