But I don’t place any value on my own life. I want to finish the race I’m running. I want to carry out the mission I received from the Lord Jesus—the mission of testifying to the Good News of God’s kindness. [Acts 20:24 (GW)]

“Mission: Impossible” was a television series that aired in the late 60s and early 70s. In the opening segment, we’d hear a recorded voice saying, “Good morning, Mr. Phelps. Your mission, Jim, should you choose to accept it is…” The assignment followed and then the voice said, “This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.” Mr. Phelps always accepted the assignment and, typical of television, the IMF team was always successful.

Jesus, John the Baptist, Paul, Timothy and the rest of the apostles all had missions: to seek God’s will and follow it. Like the IMF team, they had to travel and endure hardship and danger. For many, accepting their assignment meant suffering and death. Yet, they willing accepted it.

God didn’t stop assigning tasks to His people 2,000 years ago. In fact, God’s voice, unlike the recording heard by Mr. Phelps, hasn’t self-destructed. It remains in black and white in our Bibles. God has something great planned for us. Will we accept His assignment?

…We sent our brother Timothy to you. He serves God by spreading the Good News about Christ. His mission was to strengthen and encourage you in your faith [1 Thessalonians 3:2 (GW)]