Ecclesiastes 11:1

¹Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.            

An outstanding member of a graduating class delivered his valedictory address. At one point he stated his personal opinion that the institution produces graduates for export. He may have observed that a number of previous graduates are employed abroad or he himself had received offer of employment abroad. Did he insinuate that some graduates of that institution had prioritized international employment? Interestingly, while members of the graduating class were impressed, some professors were not very amused with his bold statement.

If employment opportunities are limited locally, you may wish to be employed internationally. Can you accept that God situates us where we can thrive?

When believers mature spiritually, we expect them to participate in their local church ministry activities or abroad. Ministry participation should not be limited domestically only. The Lord Jesus Christ declared in Act 1:8, ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

In the first century, Christians were persecuted in Jerusalem, and they were scattered abroad where they spread the gospel of Christ more productively. Certainly, persecution, employment or ministry opportunity could be instrumental for believers to move abroad where they could be useful effectively in the kingdom of God. When the Holy Spirit of Christ fills and empowers believers, it would be extemporaneous that some disciples will serve him locally and some will be sent internationally. The Lord knows best where believers are fruitful more productively. And, he wants us to practice our spiritual gifts wherever we can be useful, fruitful, effective and productive.

We just need to hear clearly where God leads us; it could be locally or abroad. Pray for increase of faith in Christ to confidently trust him so that you may decide firmly and not hesitate somehow.

Lord Jesus, empower me to follow your will confidently.

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