Topic: Until the Job is Done!
Text: “In mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:19 (NKJV).

As laborers in the field, we may sometimes feel justified in taking a break—thinking we’ve done enough and it’s time to focus on other areas of our lives. After all, we’re only human, and surely God would understand. However, Apostle Paul, in our opening text, sets forth a higher standard. With unwavering conviction, he declares, “I have fully preached.” Similarly, in 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV), he reflects, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

What is your progress report on your mission field or spiritual battleground? Have you fully covered the ground assigned to you, or have the challenges and obstacles led you to retreat prematurely? Are you celebrating victory too early? When you enlist in the Great Commission, you cease to be a civilian. Just as a soldier on the battlefield does not turn back until the mission is accomplished, so must we, as God’s ambassadors, persevere. Paul’s testimony of perseverance is a powerful reminder: Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness (2 Corinthians 11:25-27 NKJV). Yet, none of these trials deterred him because he understood his mission and pressed on with the resolve of a good soldier.

Take a moment to evaluate your areas of influence, mission fields, and personal assignments. Are there aspects where you have not given your all? Reflect, re-strategize, and resolve to press forward. The Holy Spirit is ready to empower and equip you; you only need to invite Him in.

There remains much ground to cover, and all hands must be on deck. Romans 10:14 (NKJV) challenges us: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Let us rise to the task until the job is done.

Prayer
Lord God, the Captain of my Soul, empowers me to be a faithful soldier who presses on and accomplishes great exploits in the field You have placed me. Strengthen my resolve to complete the mission and glorify Your name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Dr. Timothy Adegbile
Jos, Plateau State