After you have identified your field, focus on who is in it
After you’ve identified your four fields and narrowed your focus to the one where God is leading you to work, the next step is to identify who is in that field. After Jesus challenged His disciples to see the people around them as the “field” in which God was sending them to do His work, He gave them specific instructions.
You will need other believers to help you in your field
Matthew 10.5-6 ESV says, “These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Jesus sent the workers out in pairs because He knew that the work wouldn’t be easy. Even though they were going to familiar, Jewish communities, they would need each other’s prayer, support, and encouragement to keep going.
As you’re thinking about the field where God has placed you to work, ask yourself: Who are the believers in my field?
Like the first disciples, you will also need the help of other believers to do your work. Begin to identify who you know that might help you. Help can come in a variety of ways, so don’t dismiss anyone too quickly. Also, ask God to bring you into contact with other believers in your field with whom you can partner and pray for the harvest.
Look for ways to meet the needs of people in your field
Next, Matthew 10.8 ESV says, “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.” As they went, they were to be on the lookout for needs they could meet. Some people were suffering from physical sickness. Others suffered from spiritual blindness. Jesus told the disciples to begin by meeting people’s needs.
As you’re thinking about your field, ask yourself: What are the needs of the people in my field?
You will notice that people have different kinds of needs. “Outside needs” are those things that are obvious and readily seen. A school might need mentors for younger students. A neighbor might need a meal after a medical procedure. A married couple might need a babysitter so they can enjoy a date night without the kids.
Meanwhile, “inside needs” are those things that are less visible but touch the heart at a deeper level. People need healthy relationships, freedom from addiction, and answers to spiritual questions. Engage in this work to prepare the soil for the seeds of the gospel message. Don’t let anyone think you’re doing it for selfish motives. Instead, let them see that you’re meeting needs because you genuinely care.
Be ready to recognize when people are receptive to the message
Finally, Matthew 10.12-13 ESV says, “As you enter the house, greet it. And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.” The fact is that some people will be more open to you than others.
As you’re thinking about your field, ask yourself: How receptive is my field?
Sometimes the most receptive people will be the people you least expect. That’s why living on mission is such an adventure! The Holy Spirit knows who will be open to the gospel. Your job is to be open and ready for the moment when that person shows up.
This blog features an excerpt from one of our Student Series books, Reach Your World.
