He sent the disciples out without provision or thought to how they would feed themselves. No luggage or emergency clothing or items allowed. They were told to just go, tell others the good news and what they would need would be provided.
When we are on a mission from God he provides for us.
As a small businessman I read this before dawn today. I have already been making plans to update ads for my work, coordinate ads and postings and stuff I need to make sure my business continues. I had tools to organize and email to send out.
These are necessary things I do as a focused business owner who needs to grow and make payroll. We have to be frugal and pay attention.
But while I would never suggest we all just stop working cause, you know, God will provide, it did require me to ask myself if I was spending way too much stress and worry when I should trust more.
Anxiety is my weakness. I usually keep it in check by focusing on Jesus Christ, but it can creep in when the wrong voices get through at 3 am. What ifs. What needs to be done? What does not work? How about next month?
When that happens, I get up and start my morning prayers. I know on my own I cannot push anxiety away. I know that unless the Holy Spirit is with me, in me, guiding me I am lost and afraid. Like the disciples on the boat in the storm. My convictions are tested.
So I pray and ask him again to own me. I surrender again and again. And am finally back looking only at Jesus for everything.
Our mission to spread the Gospel as Christians will be supported always by Jesus Christ. He gives us the words and tends to our needs. I think the same can be said for everything we need. But all things are a collaboration. God wants us to be part of our own faith journey. We need to turn to him. We need to love others. And we need to work hard at providing for our families and spreading the good news.
Collaboration is the second step in our relationship with God. The first being to follow his commandments. And to live, learning more each day what God loves and what is his will so we can align our love and will toward him.
The we put his will and love into action in our life, and we can go forth on our mission from God.
But it starts with relationships and requires collaboration and work on our part.
Later in the Gospel, we hear the disciples were tired after their journeys. They were physically and mentally tired even as they were excited by what happened. And what they witnessed.
That’s what our life should look like. Working with God in all things. Work and mission start to be intertwined…as it should be.
Trust in God, work hard every day, and always be loving and always be ready to talk about the good news.
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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