Should You Go On A Short-term Mission Trip? نموونە

Do you know God’s purpose for your life?

Whether we care to think about it or not, God has a plan for each one of us – a plan in which you and I both have a role to play in the building of God’s Kingdom here on earth. 

You might be saying – God hasn’t revealed His plan to me, and so how would I know? Or, maybe you have an idea of what God’s plan for your life is, but some parts of it may still be a little vague. 

To help understand God’s plan for your part in building His Kingdom, the best place to start is to pray, look around, and see what He has already given you and where He has placed you right now.

Each of us has been given a set of skills, talents and experiences in our lives so far. Whether that is doing something with your hands, figuring something with your mind, serving others, or handling administrative tasks – each of us is good at something, and most likely that something is different from those around you.

Each of us is special and specially-gifted!

Now look at where God has placed you today… perhaps you are working in an office, in a factory, outside somewhere, or even at home. Maybe you are managing employees or managing a family. Or maybe you are blessed with free time to do as you choose.

Wherever you find yourself today, it is the place God has brought you to. Even if you thought you planned your own route in life, God has had a hand in it since the day you were born.

And now, He wants to use you just where you are – using the skills, talents and experiences that He has already given you.

What does that mean?

Think back to yesterday’s reading – we are all called to bear witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ in our lives – regardless of whether or not we went to seminary or Bible College. 

Not sure about that?? Check Ephesians 2:8-10 to understand that God has already prepared a whole set of good works for you to do – each and every day. All you need to do is identify what those good works are and do them!

In case you’re wondering about the doing part, check James 2:14-17. Here we learn that God has not only prepared these good works for us to do, but that we are actually expected to do them.

Now take this one step further – if you look around where you are, you will most likely see that God has already brought people from all nations to your very doorstep – at work, around town, and often also in your social networking and circles of influence!

All of this brings us right back to the Great Commission of Jesus – “Go and make disciples of all nations”… can you now see how this is also meant for you, right there where you are working, living, shopping, playing?

A short-term mission trip might still be in God’s plan for you – but more important than that once-a-year opportunity are the good works lined up by God for you right where you live/work/play each and every day.

This gives a new, personal perspective on the Great Commission, doesn’t it?