God uses Nobodies to be Pioneers of Faith

 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up… Eph 4:11–12 NIV

God chose and raised up marvellously gifted leaders in the Bible.

We think of Peter, Paul and John, outstanding apostles who were able to perceive God's thoughts and establish new missions. They were trailblazers for Jesus.

But not all missionaries and pioneers were at the forefront of leadership.

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.

Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.

The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:19–21 NIV

We will get to know these pioneers in heaven, but in the meantime we don't know their names.

Are you someone who has no ministry in the church, but you want to establish something for God in your school or office, or in your neighbourhood?

Maybe you can have a barbecue in your garden. You can invite your non-Christian neighbours, but also two or three Christian friends who are strong in their faith. Then you can pray for your neighbours.

I heard a wonderful testimony from a Christian woman who was active in a charismatic church.

One of the pastors, who was very prophetically gifted, organised a meeting so that Christians could learn through practical experience to perceive God's thoughts and then pass them on.

Is that biblical? Yes, it is.

Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 1 Cor 14:1 NASB95

“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17 NIV

When should we prophesy? In the last days, in the end times. When did the end times begin? 2000 years ago. Are the last days over? That would be nonsense.

Who can prophesy? ‘Your sons and daughters.’ So women too? According to the Bible, yes. And in assemblies with men? In Acts chapter 2, obviously yes.

The woman in this true story had a friend visiting. She wanted to attend the meeting where people learnt to receive and pass on God's thoughts, that is, prophesy.

Her friend didn't believe in God, but she was curious and wanted to come along.

The preacher told the Christians to split up into pairs. The curious unbelieving woman wanted to take part.

Then the preacher told everyone to pray and take a revelation or message from God for their partner and share it. A strange thought came to the unbelieving woman and she passed it on. The Christian woman was deeply blessed because only God could know what she heard.

The unbelieving woman was amazed, and she became a believer.

Is this biblical? In the Old Testament, a donkey passed on a real prophecy.

Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, Eph 3:20 NRSV