Throughout history, people have faced daunting tasks that seemed impossible. Whether it was conquering vast lands, exploring uncharted territories, or solving complex problems, humanity has often been driven by a belief that the impossible can be made possible. In the spiritual realm, one of the greatest challenges believers face is reaching the unreached with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, this seemingly impossible task is not only possible but inevitable through faith in God.
With nearly 3 billion people classified as unreached, it can feel overwhelming to even consider how every person on Earth might hear the good news of salvation. The barriers seem immense—geographical isolation, cultural differences, political opposition, and religious hostility. But the God we serve is a God of the impossible. He has called His people to have faith, even when the task seems too great, and He has promised to work through us to accomplish His purpose. This article explores the profound role of faith in reaching the unreached and how believers can respond to this call.
Understanding the Task of Reaching the Unreached
Before diving into the role of faith, it’s essential to understand what we mean by “the unreached.” According to missionary organizations, an unreached people group is a group where less than 2% of the population are evangelical Christians, and there is no local church capable of evangelizing their own people. These groups are often located in regions where access to the gospel is limited or non-existent due to political, social, or religious barriers. Many live in areas where Christianity is illegal, and some have never heard the name of Jesus.
There are approximately 7,000 unreached people groups globally, representing billions of individuals. These numbers are staggering and can lead to feelings of helplessness or defeat. However, God has not left us to face this challenge alone. He has given us a mission and, more importantly, the faith to believe that the gospel will reach every corner of the Earth.
Faith: The Foundation for Reaching the Unreached
When it comes to reaching the unreached, faith is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Faith is not just a passive belief; it is an active trust in God's power to accomplish His will. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” In the context of evangelism, faith means trusting that God can and will reach those who have never heard the gospel, even when the obstacles seem insurmountable.
1. Faith in God's Promise
The Bible is filled with promises that provide the foundation for our faith in reaching the unreached. One of the clearest promises comes from Jesus Himself. In Matthew 24:14, He declares, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” This verse not only assures us that the gospel will reach all nations, but it also motivates us to be part of that mission.
God’s heart has always been for the nations. From the very beginning, His covenant with Abraham included the promise that “all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). The mission to reach the unreached is not a new concept; it is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative. Faith in God’s promises enables believers to move forward with confidence, knowing that what seems impossible to us is not impossible to Him.
2. Faith in God's Power
One of the greatest obstacles to reaching the unreached is the belief that the task is too difficult. But as Jesus reminds us in Matthew 19:26, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” The success of reaching the unreached does not depend on human ability, resources, or strategy. It depends on the power of God working through His people.
Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of God accomplishing what seemed impossible. He parted the Red Sea, brought down the walls of Jericho, and enabled a young shepherd named David to defeat a giant. These stories remind us that God’s power is limitless and that He can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
When we step out in faith, trusting in God’s power, we become vessels through which He can perform the miraculous. Reaching the unreached is not about our strength or wisdom; it’s about allowing God to work through us as we obey His call.
3. Faith in God's Timing
One of the most challenging aspects of faith is trusting in God’s timing. We may look at the billions of unreached people and wonder why God has allowed so many to remain without the gospel for so long. But faith requires us to trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when we don’t understand it.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Just as God has a plan for each individual, He has a plan for each nation and people group. Our role is not to question His timing but to remain faithful to the task He has given us.
There are countless stories of missionaries who labored for years without seeing any visible fruit, only to witness a breakthrough in God’s perfect timing. Faith calls us to persevere, trusting that the seeds we plant today will bear fruit in God’s appointed time.
Responding to the Call: How We Can Reach the Unreached
Faith without action is dead (James 2:26). While faith is the foundation for reaching the unreached, it must be accompanied by obedience to God’s call. Here are practical ways we can respond in faith to the task of reaching the unreached:
1. Pray with Expectant Faith
Prayer is the most powerful tool we have in the task of reaching the unreached. Through prayer, we invite God to intervene in the lives of those who have never heard the gospel. We pray for open doors, softened hearts, and the breaking down of spiritual strongholds.
But our prayers must be filled with faith. As James 1:6 instructs, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt.” We pray with the expectation that God will move in ways beyond our comprehension, and we trust that He will answer our prayers according to His will.
2. Go with Bold Faith
For some, responding to the call to reach the unreached means going to the mission field. This requires bold faith—faith that is willing to leave behind the comforts of home and face potential danger in order to bring the gospel to those who have never heard it.
Missionaries throughout history have demonstrated this kind of bold faith. Whether it was the Apostle Paul risking his life to travel to distant lands or modern-day missionaries serving in hostile environments, they all shared a common belief that God was calling them to go, and they trusted Him to guide and protect them.
3. Support with Sacrificial Faith
Not everyone is called to go to the mission field, but all believers are called to support the work of reaching the unreached. This can be done through financial support, encouragement, and prayer. Sacrificial faith means giving generously to the mission, knowing that God will provide for our needs.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul encourages believers to give cheerfully and generously, trusting that “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Supporting missionaries and ministries working among the unreached is a tangible way to participate in God’s mission.
Faith for the Impossible
The task of reaching the unreached may seem impossible, but through faith, it becomes not only possible but certain. God has promised that the gospel will reach all nations, and He has given us the faith to believe that He will accomplish His purpose. As we pray, go, and support the work of reaching the unreached, we trust that God will do what only He can do—bring salvation to the ends of the Earth.
Faith for the impossible is not about what we can do; it’s about what God will do through us when we trust Him completely. The unreached may be many, but our God is greater, and through faith, we can be part of His plan to reach every soul with the life-transforming message of the gospel.