Get Out of My Way! Assignment, Attitude and Association

Mark 16:1-3

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

For the past 28 years, Matt and I have been confronted some of the most challenging situations. Despite all the countless obstacles that have been in front of us, we’ve seriously enjoyed the adventure of following God’s assignment.  I want to share with you three keys from this week’s reading that I recognize have made us courageous in the face of huge challenges.  I know these keys will also help you fulfil your God-assignment, no matter what tries to block your way! 

As I was reading Mark 16, the three courageous women mentioned

1) knew their ASSIGNMENT,

2) had a "can-do" ATTITUDE, and

3) were strengthened by their mutual ASSOCIATION. 

Let’s put ourselves in their shoes on that fateful morning.  Together, they knew the job they had to do.  They were to go and anoint the body of Christ.  Having overcome typical obstacles like waking up very early, they faced what appeared to be an insurmountable obstacle, 'they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”'  A massive stone was in their way!  This might have discouraged most of us from continuing.  However, these three women had associated with Jesus.  They knew Him and spent time around Him.  And looking at this story, they appear to have caught His, “can-do" attitude and they pressed forward - knowing there would be challenges - to accomplish their assignment.

Just like these women, knowing our assignment has continually been an anchor for Matt and me.  We discovered our assignment in prayer and having this clarity has kept us pressing forward no matter the obstacles we have faced.  Without this understanding, the enemy’s obstacles could have swayed us from God’s purpose and if he could stop us, he would have stopped all that God has done through our lives over these past decades. 

Another key that has truly enabled us to overcome and stay on assignment was our associations.  Because we were overseas, we began reading books, listening to messages, and tried to get to around those who had a proven “can-do” attitude.  Steadily, we caught this same "can-do" attitude (Spirit of faith) and are endeavouring to pass it on to others.  This attitude has opened the door of the supernatural for us in the face of very challenging obstacles and has kept us on assignment.

Like the three women in Mark 16, Matt and I have faced challenges both big and small - here are a few: homes, church buildings and vehicles (x3) have been broken into, or stolen; visas have been denied and refusal of entry has forced an immediate return; promised support has not materialised; challenges in travel including planes nearly crashing and people killed on the roadside; malaria and other sickness has tried to come against us; jets firing missiles near our home; the betrayal of friends and colleagues;  no electricity and water for days; held hostage by crooked police; caught in the middle of rioting mobs.  In fact, three cities in three different countries we’ve lived in have had significant explosions.  There are so many other challenges that life and the enemy has put before us as we have pursued our God-assignment, but because we were strengthened by our associations and had that "can-do" attitude, we not only overcame, but we continue to fulfil our assignment. 

Today, whatever obstacle might be in your way, God wants you to keep pressing forward.  Take some time this week to get clarity on your assignment and find those at GoChurch who have that same "can-do" attitude.  Let it get inside you to strengthen you.  I can’t wait to hear your stories of victory!