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.
SITX file opener
I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
Анти эйдж крем для глаз
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your weblog.
You have some really good posts and I believe I would be a good
asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off,
I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back
to mine. Please blast me an email if interested.
Many thanks!
ActivTrades recension
Thank you! Fantastic stuff.
best nmn supplement australia reddit
This means, your body needs best nmn supplement australia reddit to make
NAD+.
is nmn good for you
Improving your NAD+ degrees with our formula is nmn good for you basic.
비아그라 구매
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your article post.
I like to write a little comment to support you.
ghk-cu peptide reviews
The effects of ghk-cu peptide reviews prevail throughout the body.
apply visa online
I think the admin of this web site is really working hard for his
site, because here every material is quality based data.
spermidine supplements reviews
This is where spermidine supplements reviews supplements come in.
UFABET350
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this fantastic
blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to fresh updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
codeage liposomal urolithin a eternal 60 capsules
Allow me reveal you in my testimonial of NewULife.
Also visit my blog – codeage liposomal urolithin a eternal 60 capsules
omre nmn + resveratrol supplement
What is New U Life SOMADERM Transdermal Gel.
My web blog: omre nmn + resveratrol supplement
Siobhan
This means, your body needs best nmn supplements – Siobhan,
to make NAD+.
Lulu Gardner
If you’re wondering where you should get your house painted look no further than golden touch painting company—they do outst House Painter Cape Coral
perawan togel net
I am in fact pleased to read this webpage posts which contains plenty of
valuable facts, thanks for providing these data.
nmn and resveratrol supplement reviews
NewULife Ranks. Welcome to my NewUlife Review.
Feel free to visit my web blog; nmn and resveratrol supplement reviews
Injury Lawyer
Hi everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this web site, and article
is truly fruitful for me, keep up posting these types
of content.
what brand of Vitamins are best absorbed
This is where spermidine supplements come in.
Here is my web page … what brand of Vitamins are best absorbed
Visit here
Wow, this article is good, my younger sister is analyzing these things, therefore I am going to inform her.
ghk copper peptides for skin and hair beauty pdf
Honestly, It is fairly simple to utilize the ghk copper peptides for skin and hair beauty pdf-Cu peptide.
tonic greens review
Its like you learn my thoughts! You appear to understand a lot about
this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something.
I feel that you can do with a few % to force the message home a bit, however other than that, that is
excellent blog. An excellent read. I will definitely be back.
Take a look at my web-site: tonic greens review
retro bowl unblocked
Hello, this weekend is good for me, because this point in time i am reading this fantastic educational piece of writing here at my
residence.
best nmn supplements reddit
Boosting your NAD+ levels with our formula is simple.
Check out my blog post … best nmn supplements reddit
urolithin a supplement
Boosts mitochondrial function so you have much more
power.
Here is my page; urolithin a supplement
Best nmn Supplements australia
Improving your NAD+ degrees with our formula is easy.
Here is my webpage; Best nmn Supplements australia
dược sĩ
Everything is very open with a precise explanation of the issues.
It was definitely informative. Your website is useful.
Thank you for sharing!
How To Use Ghk-Cu Peptide
The impacts of How To Use Ghk-Cu Peptide prevail throughout the
body.
ghk-cu - copper peptide hair loss formula
The results of ghk-cu – copper peptide hair loss formula prevail throughout the
body.
Shawn Ballard
C’était une lecture fantastique. Consultez Casinos populaires dans le monde entier pour en savoir plus
what's the best nmn supplement
This implies, your body needs what's the best nmn supplement to make NAD+.
droids-hack.ru
droids-hack.ru — это удивительная возможность расширить функциональность игры.
Особенно если вы играете на мобильном устройстве с Android, модификации открывают перед вами новые возможности.
Я лично использую модифицированные версии игр, чтобы наслаждаться бесконечными возможностями.
Моды для игр дают невероятную свободу выбора,
что погружение в игру гораздо увлекательнее.
Играя с твиками, я могу создать новый игровой процесс, что добавляет новые приключения и делает игру более захватывающей.
Это действительно удивительно, как такие изменения
могут улучшить игровой процесс, а при этом с
максимальной безопасностью использовать такие
игры с изменениями можно без особых проблем, если быть внимательным и следить за обновлениями.
Это делает каждый игровой процесс более насыщенным,
а возможности практически неограниченные.
Обязательно попробуйте попробовать такие модифицированные версии
для Android — это может открыть новые горизонты
urolithin a
Improves mitochondrial function so you have urolithin a lot more power.
Dominic Wise
Can’t wait to share my experience with friends! Kudos to Pressure Washing Bonita Springs for their exceptional
Do Nmn Supplements Work
This indicates, your body requires Do Nmn Supplements Work to make NAD+.
urolithin a supplement
Boosts mitochondrial function so you have much more energy.
my homepage: urolithin a supplement
sugar md
Hi there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and
look forward to all your posts! Carry on the fantastic work!
is nmn good for you
This suggests, your body requires is nmn good for you
to make NAD+.
best nmn supplement amazon reddit
Improving your NAD+ levels takes time.
Here is my web site best nmn supplement amazon reddit
Martha Schwartz
Such valuable information here; it’s clear that good accounting is foundational for success! Certified Public Accountant
best nmn supplement canada reddit
This indicates, your body requires best nmn supplement canada reddit to make NAD+.
sugar rush 1000
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post
was good. I don’t know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
ghk-cu - copper peptide hair loss formula
The effects of ghk-cu – copper peptide hair loss formula prevail throughout the body.
requip
requip
best Spermidine supplement amazon
This is where best Spermidine supplement amazon supplements been available in.
spermidine supplements reviews
This is where spermidine supplements reviews
supplements can be found in.
ghk-cu - copper peptide hair loss formula
The results of ghk-cu – copper peptide hair loss formula prevail throughout the body.
Sammy
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
best nmn supplement canada reddit
Increasing your NAD+ levels with our formula is straightforward.
Here is my blog :: best nmn supplement canada reddit
Best nmn supplements 2023
This suggests, your body requires Best nmn supplements 2023 to make NAD+.
what is a good all round vitamin supplement
This what is a good all round vitamin supplement where spermidine supplements come in.