Friends are important.  In business, colleagues are essential: in ministry, partners are indispensable.  Paul had developed a network of trusted fellow-workers who served alongside him, could be sent ahead of him, or trusted to follow up the gospel ministry which Paul started.  Titus was one of those people.  When Paul was beginning what proved to be a hugely demanding ministry in, what is now, Greece, he could not continue without the fellowship of Titus (2 Corinthians 2:12-13; 2 Corinthians 7:6).

In these verses, he was asking Titus to come from Crete and join him at Nicopolis in Northeast Greece, but not until a replacement leader had arrived.  Paul identified Artemas and Tychicus as suitable people, having the right gifting to look after the Cretan churches in the absence of Titus.  But, at the point of writing, he did not know which one was most easily available.  Doubtless he waited for the Lord to make that clear.  At the same time, Zenas and Apollos who had been helping Titus in Crete were also on the move to help churches elsewhere.

Although it is important for believers to settle into the work God has given them, and many will be in one place for life, it is also essential for gospel people to be on the move.  In the Early Church such movement may have been precipitated by persecution (Acts 8:1-4), trade (Acts 16:14), or intentional missionary relocation (Acts 19:21-22).  Without that dynamic, many would never hear the gospel; and local churches might become dangerously isolated and at risk of being infiltrated by false teachers.  God is always on the move; and He uses His people.  He has a strategy, although many believers do not see it or understand the strategic importance of their travels.  They may not recognise that God is involved wherever they go, for whatever reason.

We may think that we are victims of our circumstances, but it is all part of God's plan.  When we are at work with colleagues we know, that is our mission field.  And when we are sent on business to another city or country, God knows and has divine appointments already prepared for us.  All He asks of us is to recognise that wherever we go we take Jesus with us, so that He can be revealed as the only source of salvation and blessing to the people we meet.  So do not be disturbed if you are moved or others are moved to you; the Lord has His purpose (Colossians 4:2-6).  Wherever we are, let us identify ourselves as ambassadors for the gospel and servants of the King; and we should pray that we will be an effective partner in His business.