PLFM: The “Why”
When John and I founded Promised Land Family Ministries in 2018, we were often asked “why?” “Why did we start a non-profit?” “Why don’t we just volunteer at another ministry?” “Why did we choose Lake Butler, Florida?” The answer is: God. God put this ministry and area in our hearts to help youth and families come to a saving knowledge of Christ and discover His promises. Why would God call us to something so much bigger than ourselves? Because as Christians we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), working together with Him (2 Corinthians 6:1) to bring hope and eternal life to everyone we meet. If we make ourselves available, God will use ordinary people to do extraordinary things because He is not willing that any should perish (2 Peter 3:9).
The truth is we should all be advancing His kingdom. In order to do so, we have to be willing to go where He tells us to, knowing His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9), just like His plan for our lives is better than our own (Jeremiah 29:11). God desires everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), but how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? Jesus said “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37), meaning there are plenty of unsaved people, but only a few willing to lay aside their own desires to wholeheartedly and relentlessly share God’s love with the lost, broken, and hurting to bring them to Christ.
Jesus’ last instructions to His disciples were “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This still applies today! God isn’t calling everyone to travel to all the nations. We can make a difference right here in our community.
The last few weeks God has really put on my heart the importance of bringing people to Christ. Our life on earth is so short, but our impact is eternal. How satisfying it will be when we get to heaven and see all the people we led to Christ. On the other hand, how heartbreaking will it be to see the souls of those perishing that we could have shared the Gospel with but didn’t? All because we were too busy or too concerned about the things of this world—what people might say or think of us.
So “why” has God put you here on earth for this day and time? What’s God calling you to do with your life? Don’t underestimate what God can and will do through you if you let Him. Find ways to serve like Jesus (Matthew 20:28) and minister to someone who needs to experience God’s love, grace, and mercy. Step out in faith and obedience; He will equip you to change lives for His honor and glory (Hebrews 13:20-21). Be sensitive and obedient to His still small voice and one day you will hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).