When I was 15, I went on a mission trip to New Orleans (pre-hurricane) to minister to the people of Louisiana. I had felt God calling me to do something, to go to a mission field and serve Him. I remember telling a boy I had a crush on that I was going on this mission trip. He told me it wasn’t a real mission trip unless I was going someplace out of the country. At the time, and even now, I remember thinking how ridiculous that belief was.
As I was talking to a friend today, I realized how much it bothers me when people think a mission trip has to be overseas or when they think being a missionary means you have to be preaching. How dare they put mission work into such a tiny box. To me, and I believe to God, mission work can be done anywhere in a number of ways.
My friend is in the midst of making a huge life decision — become a missionary overseas or opt for a different career she is equally passionate about here in the States. She shared with me that she’s afraid people may think less of her or she would let God down if she chooses the non-missionary job. Have you ever struggled to see where God is calling you? I think it’s a common issue most of us deal with. And the idea that a job in a different country that involves caring for orphans or working in a church is better than any other job is ridiculous. Yes, those are fantastic jobs, but I believe every job has the opportunity to be mission work.
Your True Calling
Whether you be a teacher, preacher, accountant, publisher, writer, soldier, stay-at-home mom, construction worker, janitor, designer, editor, factory worker or mechanic doesn’t matter. As I told my friend — God doesn’t care what you do, He cares how you do it. It’s not about what company you work for or what position you hold. It’s about your heart. It’s about intentionally making every opportunity a chance for mission work. It’s about setting an example for those around you, witnessing with your words and actions each and every day. It’s about building relationships — right where you are — and showing God’s love to those people. It’s about serving. It’s about spreading sunshine.
I do believe God calls us to certain areas. He gives each of us spiritual gifts, talents, skills, and passions for a reason. We each have a special part in His plan. But some of us haven’t found that calling yet. Or maybe you know but there are obstacles in the way right now. I feel like I’ve been called to be mom — to raise Christ-following children who will grow up to make a difference in people’s lives. I know that’s my calling because I can’t even type that sentence without tearing up! But about two years ago, I was single. I was questioning what I was supposed to do until I could answer that calling. And that’s when God gave me this blog. He grew this idea into me and gave me the gumption to go for it.
No, we don’t have just one calling for our whole lives. I believe every single day is a calling — to serve others, speak life into people, grow closer to our Savior, and see the sunshine.
Where do you feel like God has called you? Do you know your calling?
Spoken so well!
And spoken by a true person ministering for the Lord and leading her friend to realize that God can use us anywhere and anytime. So true, if we all went to a different country to minister – there’d be no one left here in the States to minister to those left behind. You, yourself, are being used by God. If you are SEEKING HIS WILL and talking to him daily and then listening and watching for his guidance and direction – you’ll land where you need to be and then he will open doors up for you to witness or to share God’s love. People are hurting everywhere – in every company – and in every country.
I love that last line you said, “People are hurting everywhere — in every company — and in every country.” Very true.