So maybe you have overcome your own desire for greatness and really want to serve the Lord; only there’s still a problem. You’re saying, “Here I am Lord, Send Me, but…keep me clean and comfortable.  This is an impossibility.  Sin by its nature is messy, dirty, and stains all it touches. When we carry out the ministry of reconciliation we have been given we will experience hurt, disappointment, and pain.

Take heart, because one of the greatest promises in all of scripture is found in 1 John 1:6-9 among other places:

. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

In the blood of Jesus lies the promise of cleansing of all sin.  When we open our hearts and surrender our lives for the sake of the gospel, we are bringing that promise. We must be willing to go to the messiest and darkest of hearts and places with the good news.  Jesus went so far into darkness to rescue us that He actually became sin that we might become the righteousness of God.  He body was marred and messy beyond recognition.
By His wounds we are healed

Reflection

Be willing to go wherever God sends you for whoever He puts before you; no matter how messy that situation is.

Remember our comfort and cleanliness comes from God, not our situation.

Prayer

Father, give us bold hearts to reach the lost with Your truth.  Be our comfort and cleanliness that we might might not be hindered.  May our lives be fully surrendered to you, in Jesus, Amen!

If you haven’t already read it, check out Part 1