When I ask one of my children sitting on the couch to do something, they often grunt an “okay” and remain glued to their digital device. After a minute if they are still hypnotized by the internets, I’ll say their name and tell them, “Get up.” Once they stand, they quickly and finally obey the task I gave them. But they have to get up first.

In John 14 Jesus assures his disciples, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in me.” He highlights their potential impact beyond their comprehension, “I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these…” He assures them that he will never leave them but his Spirit will always remain. He grants them his peace and pledges to grant prayer requests consistent with his will. Then finally, he looks at his disciples, stands up and says, “Get up. Let’s go.”

Sometimes I am paralyzed too. I feel stuck or overwhelmed or just apathetic about the overwhelming needs of this world. What possible difference can I make, and how could I possibly do “even greater works” than Jesus? I can’t do it. I want to bail. I want to give up. Then Jesus calls, “Adam, get up. Let’s go.” And I take the first step.

Thank you for answering God’s call in small and large ways, and for taking steps to bring the Gospel and God’s love to churches, children and families on the other side of the world. You’ve helped start churches in remote villages that had never heard of Jesus. You’ve sent children to school that never would have made it on their parents’ income alone. You’ve empowered families through small business loans to escape extreme poverty. Thank you for answering Jesus’ invitation to get up and go.