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Mobile in Mission

Romans 16:3-4
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. (NIVUK)

Priscilla and Aquila came from a Jewish background.  They were willing to be on the move for the sake of the gospel.  Aquila was from Pontus in what is now Western Turkey.  He had moved to Rome where he ran a tent-making business with his wife, Priscilla.  When Jewish people were being persecuted in Rome, the couple fled to Corinth.

That is where Paul first met them.  He was a fellow tentmaker in a strange city and Priscilla and Aquilla invited him to work in their business and stay in their home on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-3).  We do not know when they first believed in Jesus, but Paul took them with him to Ephesus (Acts 18:18).  There, they were entrusted to disciple Apollos, a Jewish evangelist (Acts 18:24-26), and the church met in their house (1 Corinthians 16:19).  Later they moved back to Rome, and after a time in Rome moved back to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:19).  At different times, they risked their own lives to support Paul.

This couple are a great example.  They worked together in their business, hospitality and in ministry.  They were willing to be redirected, accepting their forced relocation from Rome; and allowed God to direct them to Ephesus at Paul's invitation.  They were willing to mend tents so that they were self-supporting, glad to share their home, and prepared to instruct others in the gospel.  God used them because they were flexible about where they lived, and what they were to do according to God's command.

That is how the gospel has impacted lives around the world.  Mission happens when God's people move with His message.  You do not have to be accredited missionaries or ordained clergy; you just have to be willing to be God's servant wherever He leads you.  You may move and meet new people because of education, family, health, holiday, business or even persecution.  But the key to your usefulness is to be aware that God is using all these circumstances to get you in the right place at the right time ... so that He can use you to be a godly example, a faithful servant, a wise teacher or evangelist.  Nothing happens by chance.  Just assume that God is in control and let each new circumstance be an adventure to let others know that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Prayer 
Father God. I believe that You have the right to move me wherever You want me, and that You use all my circumstances so that I can be useful to You. Forgive me for grumbling at the prospect of change, and not accepting that each new situation is an adventure with You - to show Your love and to speak Your truth. Help me to let You lead and may I have courage to follow: and wherever You place me, may I live well for Jesus and speak truthfully about His gospel. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams