Counting the Cost of building the Kingdom

Equipping for the Mission Ahead

The Bible teaches us a vital lesson on the importance of counting the cost when embarking on a mission — particularly that of spreading the gospel of the kingdom. In a world where warfare is not just physical but spiritual, the soldier of Christ must recognize that when they enlist in God's army, they are under the provision of His kingdom.

In scripture, we find that soldiers are not sent into battle unprepared. They are equipped with resources, training, skills, weapons, and provisions all provided by the kingdom they serve. This principle serves as a striking metaphor for our own lives as we engage in ministry and outreach.

The Call of the Disciples

A prime example is Jesus' selection of His twelve apostles. He tirelessly invested three and a half years of His life in them, teaching and preparing them for the mission ahead. The Book of Acts opens with an account of all that Jesus began to do and teach, underscoring the importance of mentorship in spiritual development.

Consider Mark 10, where Jesus emphasizes the challenges of attaching oneself to riches. The disciples were faced with a pivotal choice: to leave everything behind and trust in their faith. They declared, “We have left all and followed you.” Jesus reassured them, stating that those who sacrifice for Him and His kingdom would receive a hundredfold — both in this life and the next.

The Vision for Thailand

As we contemplate our own journeys, we have a calling to spread the gospel of the kingdom further. My heart has been stirred for Thailand, a land with 77 provinces, where we aim to raise up passionate laborers for the harvest. Our mission involves dedicated periods of seven days in each province, during which we will plan, train, and empower individuals to share the gospel and live out their faith.

Picture this: a cycle of seven days of work, followed by seven days of rest, repeated over three years. This rhythm ensures spiritual rejuvenation while keeping our focus on the mission. It also emphasizes the importance of family and personal time with God, enabling individuals to truly grow in their faith.

A Collective Responsibility

Much like Peter and the other disciples who left their trades to follow Jesus, we too must be prepared to sacrifice. They experienced God’s provision firsthand, never lacking anything during their time with Him. As they fulfilled their calling, they witnessed the miraculous — like the abundant catch of fish that sustained their families.

God has placed a burden on our hearts for His people, and we have a vision of casting a net over Thailand, bringing in a great harvest into the kingdom. In previous prayers, I have seen a powerful vision of a vast net encompassing the nation, not a single gap present, capturing the souls that God longs to reach.

The journey is not easy, but we are reminded that “it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God.” We are called to seek His face, pray for laborers to be sent out into the field, and trust that God knows who among us has been called and chosen for this special task.

Conclusion: Pressing On

As we embark on this mission, let’s pray for those who will join our core team of co-laborers. We need individuals who share our vision, passion, and commitment to bringing the kingdom of God to fruition.

Together, let us press on, holding firmly to our purpose and embracing the strength that comes from relying on the Holy Spirit. We look forward to the great harvest that awaits us, and ultimately, let us strive to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” as we fulfill our calling.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.