by Chantel Poisel, Communications Coordinator, Sidewalk Advocates for Life
Verse(s): “Then saith he until his disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:37,38
Reflection: Sometimes — at different seasons in our ministry — the laborers are few. That’s something most Sidewalk Advocates know all too well, isn’t it? We are reminded that the harvest is plentiful, but how daunting it can be when we know there is so much work to be done, and seemingly so few to do it! Jesus didn’t want us to get discouraged, and reminds us in this passage of what to do. So simple, and yet so often overlooked: He reminds us to pray! “Pray that the Lord will send forth laborers into his harvest.” The lives saved, the hearts and minds changed toward life, post-abortion healing – those are all part of the harvest of ministering on the sidewalk. The harvest is not ours. It is the Lord’s. No one could care more about this work than the Lord Himself. Remember to trust Him to provide the laborers needed to do His work. If we pray and stay faithful, He will always provide!
What should we pray for? We’re praying for wisdom as we reach out to these women. We’re praying for lives to be saved. We’re praying for hearts to be changed from a culture of death, to a culture of life. We’re praying for those in the abortion industry to have a conversion and to repent from their evil ways. And Jesus specifically tells us to pray that the Lord will send forth laborers into his harvest to do this great work. The Lord’s word never returns empty. We need to remember to pray specifically that He will send the right people, at the right time, to collect His harvest.
Faith Challenge: Pray! Pray that the Lord would call men and women of faith to sacrifice their time and to stand on the sidewalk ministering to women and men in need. Pray that those who are being called will listen to that still, small voice, and accept the task they are given. Pray specifically, “that the Lord will send forth laborers into his harvest.”
Are you just starting your ministry on the sidewalk? Pray for the Lord to send you laborers for the harvest. Have your numbers been dwindling from people growing weary in this work? Pray for the Lord to send in fresh volunteers. Are you discerning your role in this mission? Pray that the Lord will give you clarity and guide your steps as you walk in faith and heed his calling on you.