“These twelve Jesus sent out…”

​In Matthew 10, Jesus gives the 12 Apostles specific principles as He sends them to specific people in specific places at a specific time to do the good work of the Good Shepherd. He reminds them to trust that where God guides, God will provide. This may not necessarily be financial. God will provide whatever will draw us into a deeper relationship and dependence upon Him as He guides us.

We hope that when we provide others with the Good News of Jesus, it will be desired by all. But Jesus makes it clear that not everybody will receive from us or be worthy of our trust. We are commanded to love and forgive all, but not to entrust ourselves to a person who proves untrustworthy.

Sound difficult? It is the beautiful, worthy, and painful difficulty called ministry. It isn’t a stroll in the park, but an adventure of faith. Learning to hear Him. Learning to obey Him. Learning to trust that He will provide for you wherever He guides you.

What often draws you into a deeper and more reliant relationship with Him is the pain that comes when people treat you poorly, which will happen when you serve others. When you follow the call of Jesus, some will refuse to receive from you and may even betray and persecute you—including the very people that you laid down your life to serve. Some people did this to Jesus. He tells us that we will receive the same treatment. But like Jesus, we too can serve with joy—despite the circumstances.