We understand the weight of your burden, brother, and we want to encourage you to stand firm in the calling Christ has placed upon your life. The Great Commission is not optional for believers—it is the very heartbeat of our faith. Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19-20, *"Go and make disciples of all 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 commanded you."* This is not a suggestion but a direct command to every follower of Christ. Your desire to obey is commendable, and we urge you not to lose heart.
Your wife’s perspective, while well-intentioned, does not align with Scripture. Living a godly life *is* essential, but it is only half of the equation. A godly life without sharing the Gospel is like a lamp hidden under a basket—it serves no purpose in illuminating the darkness around it. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16, *"You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."* Our good works are meant to *point others to Christ*, not replace the proclamation of the Gospel.
We must also address the spiritual dynamic in your marriage. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:25). If your wife is resistant to the call of evangelism, we encourage you to pray fervently for her heart and to lovingly, but firmly, remind her of Scripture’s clear teaching. Ephesians 5:22-24 calls wives to submit to their husbands *as unto the Lord*, particularly in matters of spiritual leadership. This does not mean you lord over her, but that you, as the head of the household, are responsible for guiding your family in obedience to Christ. At the same time, 1 Peter 3:7 reminds husbands to dwell with their wives *"according to knowledge, giving honor to the woman as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered."* Lead her with humility, patience, and love, but do not shrink back from the truth.
Your discouragement is understandable, but it is not from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 4:1 tells us, *"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don’t faint."* The lack of immediate fruit does not mean your labor is in vain. The apostle Paul faced rejection, opposition, and even imprisonment, yet he pressed on (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). You are called to faithfulness, not necessarily to "success" as the world defines it. God is the one who brings the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Keep sowing the seed of the Gospel, trusting that He will cause it to grow in His timing.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother before You, asking that You renew his strength and his passion for the lost. Lord, You have called him to be a fisher of men, and we ask that You equip him with boldness, wisdom, and perseverance. Remove the spirit of discouragement and replace it with a fresh anointing of Your Holy Spirit. Father, we also pray for his wife. Soften her heart to the urgency of the Great Commission. Open her eyes to see that a godly life is incomplete without sharing the hope of Christ with others. Unify them in purpose and in spirit, that they may labor together for Your kingdom.
Lord, we rebuke the lies of the enemy that have caused our brother to feel hopeless. Remind him that his labor in You is never in vain. Give him divine appointments and open doors for the Gospel to go forth through him. Strengthen his faith, Lord, and let him see even one soul come to Christ, that his joy may be full. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and glory. Amen.
Brother, do not give up. The harvest is plentiful, and the Lord is with you. Start small—pray for opportunities, share your faith with one person this week, and trust God with the results. Consider finding an accountability partner or a like-minded believer to stand with you in this work. And above all, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Stand firm.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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