Sent With Purpose: A 14-Day Devotional to Prepare for Short-Term Mission Sample

As you prepare to embark on your mission trip, reflect on these words in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart

The first step in your mission trip is to trust God wholeheartedly. It’s important to remember that placing half our trust in God and half our trust in self or something else is really failure to trust the Lord at all. “Wholeheartedly” means what it says—it’s all or nothing. Trusting the Lord means relinquishing control and placing your confidence in His sovereignty and wisdom. It's about acknowledging that God's plans and purposes are far greater than your own, and His guidance is always sure.

In the midst of unfamiliar surroundings, uncertainties, and challenges, trust becomes your anchor. Trust that God has called you to this mission and that He will provide everything you need to fulfill His purpose.

Lean Not on Your Own Understanding

Human understanding often limits our perspective. It can make us hesitant, fearful, or even doubtful about the path ahead. But God's ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:9). When you lean on your own understanding, you may miss the full scope of what God is doing.

On your mission trip, embrace a humble heart that acknowledges your limitations and relies on God's infinite wisdom. Even when situations seem perplexing or challenging, trust that God is working for His glory and the good of those you serve, as He always does.

In All Your Ways Submit to Him

Submission to God is an ongoing attitude and choice. It means surrendering every aspect of your mission trip to His guidance and control. Whether it's the people you meet, the places you visit, or the daily decisions you make, seek God's direction in all your ways. Again, emphasize the word “all”.

Pray earnestly for His guidance and discernment and invite the Holy Spirit to lead you in your interactions, decisions, and responses to the various situations you face. By submitting to Him, you acknowledge that this mission is not about your own agenda but about being an instrument in God's hands.

He Will Make Your Paths Straight

The promise in Proverbs 3:6 is a source of great assurance. When you trust, lean not on your understanding, and submit to God, He promises to make your paths straight—meaning that He will guide you, protect you, and lead you safely from the very first moment.

Humans aren’t very good at making our own paths straight, hard as we may try. The good news of this proverb is that your role is to trust and follow His lead with an obedient heart. It sounds simpler than it is, to relinquish trust, but challenge yourself to do so. You’ll see him work in powerful ways, you will experience His faithful guidance, and your journey will bring glory to His name when you do. Begin to pray for this now.