From our International Director

Posted on 30 September 2009.

Paul in 2 Corinthians 2:14 makes a declaration that will be known to most readers: "But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ." What may be less known is the context in which he said that.

He is not coming off a triumphal visit to a city where a large church was planted or from a great time with his co-workers where he found them all to be flourishing. Quite the opposite.

In verses 12-13 we read: "Now when I went to Troas to preach the Gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good-bye to them and went on to Macedonia."

Paul was carrying burdens when he wrote those words. Firstly, he was worried about the state of the Corinthian church and carried a heavy burden for that church. Secondly, he was worried about the safety of his beloved colleague Titus. So worried that he even walked away from an open door for the Gospel in Troas - an amazing thing for the apostolic church planter to do. Yet he can still proclaim: "But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ."

As you read the prayer topics, pray with Paul's faith in mind. Whether praying about the social problems like lead poisoning, boot camps' abuse and corruption, pray in faith that the Lord will cause the fragrance of the Gospel to reach into each of those areas, and will lead His people in triumph into them with the Gospel. Seek the stance of faith that sees God's Hands of love and mercy reaching into each of those problems and healing broken and damaged hearts.

And pray for His saving work to continue in triumph and for His continued anointed leading on teams and the work of the ministry, so that both inside of China and in the ministry of AM-CCSM we might proclaim afresh: "But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ."

There are many huge social and spiritual issues in China. But aim to see God in all these things with the eyes of faith - even when worried about Titus and the Corinthian church! We have a choice. Live under the problems and the circumstances, or live in the faith of Paul.

Pray for the church in China in all its battles and struggles to be refreshed with the faith that caused the apostle Paul to write these words.

Pray the same for those from overseas that you know to be working in China, that the Lord would refresh them with fresh faith and vision.

Pray for yourself, and ask the Lord to show you any area where you have walked away from His calling because you did not believe He would lead you in triumph, asking Him to help you go back there and start again in faith.