I am always amazed at the excitement and nervousness from those going on their first short-term mission trip, most of the time they don’t know enough to know what they need to be nervous about. There is an excitement in their eyes as they head into the unknown. They prepare testimonies and lessons, not knowing how God will use them or if they will be effective. They pack what is recommended and wonder if it will be enough. They comfort their parents and loved ones, and try to reassure them everything is going to be alright, while at the same time not knowing what the future holds. But through leading and prayer, the journey begins.
A lot of mission team members, especially those who have never been on mission before usually become broken spiritually sometime during the week of the trip. They discover a new outlook on sharing, faith, trust, and God. Why is this? It is simple, during the week they are constantly hearing the word of God either from others sharing or through the preaching or their own study. They also see the word of God come to life. That doesn’t mean that the bible gets up and starts walking around. But they see the Spirit of God begin to work in the lives of the people they come in contact with. They walk the streets with a single purpose, to find the person of peace with whom they can share the good news of the gospel. Some are hit with the hard truth that not all will accept the gospel, so they plant a seed not knowing the condition of the soil. Other times they begin to pour out water onto unknown soil, unaware that a seed exist and has been waiting for the moisture that God will use to bring it to life. They get excited and don’t know what to do when out of the ground springs forth life. A miracle, they get to see cold dead bones come to life. After that experience, they have a drive to share and no longer need to be pushed in front of people to share with. Oh what it would have been like in Acts to walk the streets and see God work, bringing people to life through the proclamation of the Gospel. But wait, could that still happen? And could it happen here?
After returning home and a couple weeks of rest, life returns to normal. The mission was accomplished, people were saved and now we are back comfortable, safe, fed, and loved. Or are we? There is always a sense of completion at the end of a mission trip. Not that that would be wrong in the short term, but there is a since of that was where we were on mission at, but now we are back and we have things to get done. Real stuff, school, work, friends, problems, and you know life. Right?
One of the greatest tragedies we have is short-term missions. I know you saw a bunch of people get saved, and God really “showed up”, but stay with me. There is a since of awe and wonder during the week of a mission trip. And we look forward to the next year when we can go and feel that same since of awe and wonder. But let’s compare it to a race shall we. Anyone who runs foot races understands that you have different splits. These are markers throughout the race to gauge your progress, and to ensure you are on pace. A short-term mission trip is sort of like a split. It is a time to see if you are where you need to be in your spiritual life, in your reading and study of the word, apologetics, doctrines, and if you can articulate them to the world around you. The shortness of the week gives you the opportunity to push yourself hard and to evaluate yourself. The tragedy is that the short-term is looked at, as the race itself. We return with a sense that we ran and will rest up to run again next year.
The race however is not over. In fact it is just beginning. When you return home, it is like passing the first mile marker. The street is no longer filled with cheering fans, the road narrows, and the reality of the race sets in. Here is where we must work our hardest. This is where we must pull from prayer and scripture, the strength to press on. Where most might sit and rest, we must run to win. We don’t just return to normal life, we return with a renewed sense of awe for what God has been doing and we must now trust even more so that He will continue His work. We saw on foreign soil God work in others lives. Now we must trust that He will work in ours for His glory and to reach those around us. We are home; this is where we must turn from our sins, where we must love God more than mother and father, more than friends and things. This is where we live out what we preach, if we believe that which we have taught. Did we believe it? Do we believe it? If so, then are we disciplined for the miles ahead? Paul tells the church at Corinth “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified”. Are we disqualified or are we still in the race?
There are no short-term missionaries; there are only missionaries in different context. When we return to our Jerusalem, let us seek the hope that is only found in Christ. Let us not lean on our own understanding, our own wisdom, which is foolishness. Let us not fall victim to busyness and the lure of shiny objects that promise fulfillment. Let our knees be worn out for those nearest to us. Let our time be determined by the cross and His call, trusting that He will provide the time for work, family, fun, and ministry, as we continue the race. We have found our greatest joy in walking by faith; let us not check our faith with Homeland Security as we return home. But let us be reminded daily where our ultimate security is found and where our joy is greatest. Wherever you woke up at, wherever you find yourself, wherever you stand today, then that is your mission field. Time to get running.
bokep jav
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your
blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to
come back in the future. All the best
tuneiptv
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post.
Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
Uibqkr
mestinon cost – buy cheap pyridostigmine buy azathioprine paypal
Sydney Natural Stone Wall Cladding
If you want to get a good deal from this article then you have to apply
such strategies to your won web site.
Fold Away Mobility Scooters
The Most Effective Used Folding Mobility Scooter Tricks To Make A Difference In Your Life Fold Away Mobility Scooters
Epoxy flooring
Hey very cool web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing ..
I’ll bookmark your web site and take the feeds also? I’m satisfied
to find so many helpful information here within the publish, we’d like develop more
techniques on this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . .
.
Download Original
If you desire to get much from this piece of writing then you have to apply these methods to your won blog.
Fitspresso
FitSpresso is a remarkable supplement that stands out to me due to its unique blend of
ingredients and its focus on promoting healthy weight loss in a safe way.
What distinguishes FitSpresso from others is its blend of natural ingredients that not only aid in fat loss but also help to boost metabolism and
improve general wellness. I appreciate that FitSpresso is designed to be gentle yet effective, making it a good choice
for people who are looking for a long-term weight loss solution.
The fact that it increases energy while helping control cravings is a major benefit because it
helps to avoid crash diets or uncontrollable
hunger that many other diet supplements cause.
Additionally, its all-natural composition makes it a better choice compared to chemically-based
supplements. I’ve seen many positive reviews from people who
have experienced significant boosts in their energy, mental state, and
overall body composition after adding FitSpresso into their
everyday schedule. It’s also worth noting that it works well with a hectic schedule
since it does not demand a strict diet or intense workouts.
All in all, FitSpresso looks like a fantastic choice for anyone serious about achieving their weight loss goals while
supporting their health with a all-natural,
easy-to-use product. I am confident it offers a practical and
effective solution for those who are looking to lose
weight without compromising on their health.
Double Glazing Window Repairs
9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Double Glazing Window Repairs Near Me
Double Glazing Window Repairs
Johnnie
Five Killer Quora Answers On Rollators Walkers With Seat rollators walkers with seat (Johnnie)
G28carkeys26083.shivawiki.com
15 Amazing Facts About Locksmiths Cars That You Never Knew locksmith near me for cars cheap (G28carkeys26083.shivawiki.com)
key fob programing near me
10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Key Programming Near Me key fob programing near me
trademarketclassifieds.com
The 9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Bunk Bed Single Double bunk
bed single double – trademarketclassifieds.com,
diuwin
Hi there! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to give it a look.
I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m book-marking and will be tweeting this to my
followers! Superb blog and wonderful style and design.
vavada
Это одна из ведущих компаний-разработчиков программного обеспечения для азартных игр в мировой индустрии.
Immediate Code
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was
great. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous blogger
if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
Treadmills Fold Up
Searching For Inspiration? Check Out Foldable Treadmill
With Incline Treadmills Fold Up
3.13.251.167
The Reasons You’re Not Successing At Programmable Car Keys Reprogramming
A Car Key (3.13.251.167)
Audi replacement car keys
What’s The Job Market For Audi Replacement Car Keys Professionals?
Audi replacement car keys
key Lost In car
Why Nobody Cares About Lost My Car Keys key Lost In car
Mobile Massage London
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thanks, However I am going through problems with
your RSS. I don’t understand the reason why I cannot join it.
Is there anybody getting the same RSS problems? Anybody who knows
the solution will you kindly respond? Thanx!!
Belindahon
Thanks a lot, Loads of info.
real online casino slots https://luckyusaplay.com/real-money-baccarat/ atlantic city nj online casino
car Keys Replacement cost
See What Car Keys Replacement Cost Tricks The Celebs Are Using car Keys Replacement cost
togel Sydney
Guide To Togel Sydney: The Intermediate Guide To Togel Sydney togel Sydney
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
Download Original
Hi there! I realize this is kind of off-topic but I needed to ask.
Does running a well-established blog such as yours require a large amount of work?
I am completely new to writing a blog however I do write in my journal on a daily basis.
I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my experience and thoughts
online. Please let me know if you have any recommendations or tips for new aspiring
blog owners. Appreciate it!
咖啡师课程
Oh my goodness! Amazing article dude! Many thanks, However I am going through problems with your RSS.
I don’t understand the reason why I can’t subscribe to it.
Is there anyone else getting similar RSS issues?
Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
Lexus car key
Why We Are In Love With Lexus Replacement Key Fob (And You Should Also!) Lexus car key
Sylvia
11 “Faux Pas” Which Are Actually OK To Make With Your Mobility Scooters For Sale Near
Me electric mobility chair for sale (Sylvia)
Jacobbooni
Discovered an article that will surely interest you – I recommend checking it out http://enriquerp.listbb.ru/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=547
slot terpercaya
I every time used to read piece of writing in news papers but
now as I am a user of internet so from now I am using net for posts, thanks
to web.
look at this
My relatives every time say that I am killing my time here at net, but I know I am getting knowledge
all the time by reading such fastidious articles or reviews.
bokep indonesia
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
post! It’s the little changes that produce the largest changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
일본서버
certainly like your website but you need to check the spelling oon quite a few of your
posts. A number of thjem are rife with spelling problems and I in finding it very bothersome to tell thee truth
however I’ll certainly come back again.
일본서버
surveoo-Review-best-paid-website.ck.page
We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community.
Your site provided us with useful info to work on. You’ve done an impressive activity and our entire community will probably be grateful to you.
Here is my homepage … get paid to do surveys. paid (surveoo-Review-best-paid-website.ck.page)
рояль казино вход
При возникновении любых
вопросов можно обратиться к консультантам технического отдела,
которые круглосуточно готовы ответить на
все вопросы игроков.
electric mobility Scooters for sale
What Is Electric Walker Aides? What Are The Benefits And How To Make Use Of It
electric mobility Scooters for sale
슈어맨
Bet365 includes an exceptional range of reside bettig markets and futures markets.
Also visit my web-site 슈어맨
macauslot88 deposit pulsa im3 tanpa potongan.
You could definitely see your expertise within the article you write.
The sector hopes for more passionate writers like
you who are not afraid to say how they believe.
At all times go after your heart.
rribogor.com
Hi there to all, the contents present at this web site are
truly amazing for people experience, well, keep up the nice
work fellows.
what is lab bead mill
https://www.lab-mill.net/de/grundsatze-der-konstruktion-von-laborkugelmuhlen/grundsatze der konstruktion von laborkugelmuhlen
basic mobility Scooters
Basic Mobility Scooters Tools To Ease Your Daily Lifethe One Basic Mobility Scooters Trick That Should Be Used
By Everyone Be Able To basic mobility Scooters
Porn
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is
a very well written article. I will make sure to bookmark
it and come back to learn extra of your helpful info.
Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
Riley
The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About ADHD Diagnosis UK Adults
adhd diagnosis uk adults – Riley,
treadmill At home
Ten Treadmill Home That Will Actually Change Your Life treadmill At home
car
9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Program Car Key car
program
The 9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Programming Car Key program
buy viagra online
buy viagra online
Magazines for sale
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with Search Engine
Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good gains.
If you know of any please share. Thanks!