You’re thinking about a life overseas. Maybe you feel ready to sign up and get started. But God Himself seems to slow you down. Then what? In this article, a would-be missionary describes what God is doing in her life in the season between committing to missions and moving overseas (along with tips on what to do while you wait).
I’ve heard the stories of those who have known from the age of seven that they wanted to be a missionary. That was not my story. Those were not my plans. In fact, becoming a missionary was the last thing I wanted to do.
When during my last year of college, the Lord led me to an eight-week mission trip with Pioneers, I trusted His promptings and was incredibly excited about the opportunity. Yet I hoped that this wasn’t a stepping stone to Him calling me long-term.
Fast forward one year. God had used that eight-week summer trip to change my heart and view of my role in His purposes. My life trajectory was entirely altered. I felt, without a doubt, that He was calling me to spend my life advancing His kingdom and serving Him among the unreached.
That was my new plan. I was in the process of officially joining Pioneers with the intention of moving overseas.
But the world of missions was still so new to me. I still had much to learn and room to grow. I didn’t have a clear peace about making the next big step. God spoke to me through the wisdom and advice of those who have gone before me:
“It’s not a race to get overseas.”
“There is wisdom in preparation.”
“Recruiting others before going yourself is a great investment of time.”
I felt God saying go but also not yet. I didn’t quite know what to do with that.
I had to die to the plans that I make for myself. I surrendered an opportunity to advance my career in the field I’d majored in; I surrendered my vision for ministry overseas.
In the meantime, I learned ways I could have a multiplying impact by sending many workers to unreached people groups as a mission mobilizer. That’s exactly what the Lord had for me next.
It’s been a great way for me to invest my time wisely. I’m learning so much about the world of missions and the work of teams around the world. I’m surrounded by a community that helps me to maintain that vision and encourages my development towards cross-cultural service.
More importantly, I’m learning that as a follower of Christ, I can trust the Lord when He changes the plan. I can delight in what He has for me. “Come and die” comes with a promise—a promise of new life in Him.
You don’t need to have your plane ticket in hand to be making progress. Whether God calls you to go tomorrow or in five years, spend your time now working to advance His Kingdom and prepare for what He has next.