Persistent prayer
 Just as our Lord Jesus Christ had a burdened heart for the lost, his true followers will also feel a burden and responsibility for those who are lost in sin. This requires persistent and impassioned prayer before almighty God. It is interesting to note that in the dictionary, one of the synonyms given for pleading is prayer. Is it a possibility that every convert is the result of the Holy Spirit's pleading in answer to prayer?
In the scripture, we have examples of godly men passionately pleading with God for others. For example, in the Old Testament we have the account of Abraham pleading with God for Sodom:
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? GEN 18:24
That they might be saved
 Then in the New Testament, we have the example of the Apostle Paul pleading the cause of Israel:
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. ROM 9:1-3
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. ROM 10:1
Fervent prayer
 Like the Apostle Paul, as effective ambassadors, we will have great heaviness and sorrow in our hearts for those who have not come to the knowledge of the truth and found their salvation through Christ.
One of the greatest things we are called to do is to pray. Prior, during, and after any work for the Lord, we must spend time in prayer. Let us take a moment to reflect on our own prayer life. How often do we have passionate fervent prayer for the eternal salvation of others?
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. JAMES 5:16
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Our Feet Shod with the Gospel
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The whole armor of God
In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul encouraged the believers to put on the whole armor of God so that they could withstand the assaults of Satan.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saint. EPH 6:14-18
Equipped with the Gospel
 To be effective fishers of men we will have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. To shod means to furnish or equip. Paul's instruction here is clear. Just as we equip our feet daily with shoes prior to going to work or school, spiritually we need to be walking in grace and equipped with an understanding of the gospel of peace.
Our feet carry us places and bring us into contact with lost souls. So is it any wonder why Paul used feet for this teaching? Being equipped with the gospel of peace is critical, as Peter reminds us:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 1PETER 3:15
Hiding the Word in our heart
 Some who we encounter are the enemies of the cross of Christ, and may speak evil of us, as Peter noted. However, rejection has always been a part of the gospel and Jesus often experienced this himself. So the very gospel we share can also comfort us when we are evil spoken of.
The gospel of peace will allow the ambassador to be of a peaceful temperament and Godly behavior as he interacts with others, whether it is in business dealings or other conversations.
As an ambassador, do you take the time daily to read, study and memorize God's word? Have you hidden the Word in your heart, and are you familiar with the Scripture, so that you will be ready and capable to share the gospel when the opportunity presents itself?
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