Go Where I Send You"And then he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Mark 16:15
On June 8th, 2017, I got on a plane and flew ten hours to the beautiful country of Ireland. I had no idea what the Lord had in store for me over the next three months, but I knew that I was where I was supposed to be.
The circumstances leading up to that day were saturated with the Lord’s guidance and providence. There was nothing I had to do to try to make everything happen--nothing was ever forced--nothing ever imposed. The Lord just aligned everything perfectly for me to be able to spend the Summer in Ireland. By the time I was asked if I would like to go and serve there, everything was already in place. God had opened all the doors, and I didn’t have to do a single thing but ask him.
Most of the time when someone is called to do ministry--whether that be in their home, their church, or on a mission trip--there is opposition. For me, rather than facing circumstantial obstacles, mine was a battle of the mind. As soon as the Lord started opening doors, thoughts of doubt and discouragement made it feel like they were closing again.
I’ve come to realize that’s what the enemy does. When God plants a desire in our hearts to serve him, the enemy will try to stomp it out by telling us we don’t know enough, or someone else would be better fit, or we don’t deserve it, or it’ll be too hard. These thoughts can leave us feeling weak and disheartened. But, as for most things, God gave us his word for that.
“And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
When I went to Ireland on a two-week mission trip in 2016, this was the theme verse. It was certainly prevalent on that mission trip, and equally so during the three months I spent in Ireland last year. The Lord reminded me that his strength is enough. He taught me that nothing can stop him from accomplishing his purpose--not the fact that I was only 17 years old, not the fact that I needed substantial finances, not the fact that Ireland was all the way in Europe, and not the fact that I’d have to leave my friends and family for three months. I never imagined having such an opportunity. I was shocked...and then so, so thankful.
With all that said, I really hope you are encouraged to start praying about where the Lord may send you, or what opportunities he may have in store. It could be right in your hometown, or it could be on the other side of the world. Nothing is out of reach, not with the power of Christ living in us. Don’t let your age, financial situation, knowledge, or any other doubt keep you from serving Jesus. He has made you qualified because he promises to provide whatever you need when he calls you to something.
I especially want to encourage my peers. I’ve had so many friends and acquaintances tell me they weren’t sure if they should do something (go on a mission trip, go witnessing, etc.) because they didn’t feel like they knew enough to try to share with other people. I’ve felt that way, too. But God always, always provides. You’re not too young, too unknowledgeable, too inexperienced.
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12
It’s important to remember that he is the one who does the work. He will never fail you. Remember, what may seem like a failure in your mind could very well be a victory in disguise. God can use you in ways you would never have imagined--or even thought--possible. That gives us a reason to really get excited. God has so many great things in store for your life.
My final encouragement would be to pray. Pray about how you can further God’s kingdom. If the Lord provides an opportunity, pray about going on a mission trip. Mission trips are such a special experience. I have learned so much and grown so much from the mission trips I’ve been on.
Maybe God has opened the door to serve in a new ministry, or help with an outreach. Pray about that. It’s crazy to see how many doors begin to open, once we get on our knees and pray., God loves you, and has amazing things for you. There is nothing more fulfilling than living a life dedicated to glorifying him.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20.
by Kaylee Kissack