In the early 18th century, a young Norwegian Lutheran minister named Hans Egede became captivated by a haunting mystery. While serving in Lofoten, he heard tales of the lost Norse settlements in Greenland, communities that had vanished into silence after flourishing for nearly 500 years. These Norse settlers, who had first arrived under Erik the Red’s leadership in 985 AD, had established a significant presence with over 620 farms across three settlements, supporting a population that may have reached several thousand. The mystery of their fate stirred Egede’s heart. By 1711, driven by concern for their spiritual welfare, he began petitioning King Frederick IV of Denmark-Norway for permission to mount a mission. His primary goal was clear — to find these lost Norse Christians who, he feared, had either remained Catholic after the Reformation or completely lost their faith. In 1721, after securing funding from Bergen merchants and royal support, Egede set sail aboard the vessel Haabet (“The Hope”) with his family and forty colonists. However, upon reaching Greenland’s shores, his carefully laid plans encountered an unexpected reality. Instead of finding Norse settlements, he discovered only ruins and a thriving Inuit population. This moment of revelation showcases the true spirit of Christian adventure — the ability to adapt when God’s plans differ from our own. Rather than abandoning his mission, Egede demonstrated remarkable resilience and flexibility. He established Hope Colony on Kangeq Island and redirected his efforts toward learning the Kalaallit language and sharing the gospel with the Inuit people.
Throughout scripture, we witness a profound pattern: God calling ordinary people into extraordinary journeys. A Divine Expedition isn’t merely a change of location — it’s a total transformation of heart, mind, and purpose. Like a master weaver, God intertwines individual stories into His grand tapestry of redemption, each thread essential to the whole. From Abraham’s first step out of Ur to Paul’s final breath in Rome, these expeditions share common hallmarks: a divine interruption, a path filled with adventure and challenges, and the faithful presence of the One who calls. These testimonies aren’t just ancient history — they’re mirrors reflecting our own journey of faith. Each divine expedition begins with a simple yet profound command: “Go.” Whether leaving physical comfort zones or stepping into new spiritual territories, God’s pattern remains unchanged. He takes people from obscurity to purpose, from comfort to calling, from the familiar to the faithful. Let us now examine how some of these champions of faith embarked on their Divine Expeditions.
I've been inspired by you guys since 2005. I have been to Ethiopia 14 times and spent a total of four years and 11 months in that country to share the love of God. After losing three loved ones in an automobile accident in 2006, several family members started an NGO that works in Ethiopia. Your videos were the main inspiration to start our NGO. Thank you for your long term commitment in mission work. - Mark
In life’s darkest valleys, when hope seems distant and trials overwhelming, God specializes in dramatic reversals. Like Joseph’s sudden elevation from prison to palace, or David’s transformation from fugitive to king, our Father delights in turning mourning into dancing. These pivotal moments aren’t just historical accounts — they’re promises of God’s faithfulness that echo through time into our present circumstances. Consider Joseph, who languished in prison on false charges, yet in a single day was elevated to become second only to Pharaoh. “The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. He made him master of his household, ruler over all his possessions.” — Psalm 105:20–21. This dramatic reversal wasn’t just about Joseph’s personal vindication — it was God’s master plan to save nations. Similarly, David’s journey from cave-dwelling fugitive to celebrated king demonstrates God’s perfect timing. “He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.” — Psalm 40:2. Even in his darkest moments, hiding from Saul in the caves of Adullam, David was being prepared for his destiny. Consider Job, who lost everything yet witnessed God restore double what was taken. His story reminds us that our lowest point isn’t our final chapter — it’s often the precise moment God chooses to demonstrate His power. “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.” — Job 42:12. As the psalmist declares, “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” — Psalm 126:5.
The Urgency of Now: Life moves with relentless speed, like an arrow released from its bow. David understood this temporal nature when he prayed, "Show me, Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is." — Psalm 39:4. We often live as if we have an endless supply of tomorrows, but in the Word we are soberly reminded that our life is "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." — James 4:14. This isn't meant to discourage us but to instill a holy urgency in our hearts. When Jesus said, "As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." — John 9:4. This wisdom isn't just about acknowledging life's brevity—it's about making each moment count for eternity. The ancient Romans had a saying, "Carpe diem" (seize the day), but as believers, we're called to something greater: to redeem the time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). Don’t let days, months, or years slip by without acting on God’s call—use this brief life to make an eternal impact.
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