As You Go

If you have ever been a part of a church for any period of time, you probably know about the Great Commission. You've probably been encouraged to go on a short-term mission trip, give to those going, and/or pray for those going. Personally, God called me to missions when I was ten. Up until recently, however, I've been doing it all wrong. 

Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..." That "Go" actually translates into as you go. 

Do you have any idea what that means to a people pleasing, conflict fearing introvert?

It means, I must continually be die to myself. As I ride the bus to Haley, I am to make disciples. As I sit in biology, I am to preach the Good News. As I buy groceries in Kroger, I am to further God's Kingdom.

The Lord started convicting me of my lack of local missions at the beginning of this semester. I was considering a mission trip to Europe, when God showed me sinful heart. How could I affectively go and preach the Gospel, if I was unwilling to stay and share with the person next to me?

I started working harder to reach those around me. I set up coffee dates and study sessions, but life happened and it would often fall apart. I felt very stretched. Very ineffective. I became world weary and my fire for the lost started to fade.

I felt guilty. Guilty for not loving the lost and hopeless. 

I felt like a failure. My best efforts were not working.

Then, the Lord reminded me that it's not about me. It's not about my shame, my exhaustion, my failure, or my busy schedule.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29: "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

The Lord continues to humble me, to show me my weaknesses; showing me that any good thing I do is not of myself. Any good thing in me is from Christ alone. He's the potter, and he calls me to be a willing vessel.

As I pursue him, he enables me to pursue others. As my love for him deepens, it overflows into the world around me. He takes the broken pieces and makes something beautiful.

One day, I may be called overseas. But whether I'm in Asia or America, I am to make disciples as I go.