“The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy” - Prov 15:30 (KJV).

Even today there are churches that are in the habit of sending out missionaries, as in fact all should. An important event in their calendar is for the missionaries to return back home periodically and share a report of what has been accomplished in the field.

This practice is actually drawn from the first Christian missionaries- the Apostle Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-3). After being commissioned by the church in Antioch and sharing the Gospel in Cyprus and Galatia, they returned with a good report. “On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened up a door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts 14:17). It is believed this report not only encouraged believers but resulted in many disciples of Jesus embarking on their missionary journeys elsewhere- to as far as Ethiopia (Mathew ) and India (Thomas).

There are two beautiful lessons here. Our lives are not just about sitting still as many of the disciples were until they heard Paul and Barnabas return to share how God had used them. If we are doing so then we are missing out on the greatest adventure, the call on our lives. It could be the reason why our faith has stagnated. Faith does not grow in a vacuum.

Secondly, we should all be eager to share of the good things God has done in our lives (including whatever challenges we face) from the rich experiences gotten out in the field. This is to inspire and strengthen the faith of fellow believers. It is to show that God is still at work as before and evermore.

Today, do not hesitate to share a good report of what God has done in your life lately. This will not only boost the faith of others but also yours as you look back and see the amazing hand of God even in the least affairs of your life. “Finally, brethren, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of a good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8).

Prayer for today: Lord Father in heaven, God of Abraham, today I thank you for the great things you have done in my life, which I now gladly share to build up the faith of the brethren.