Motivation for Service
It’s in all of us-an uncontrollable draw to connect,
to make our lives count for something. We want the world to miss us when we are
gone. We want to hear our Lord say, “Good job, faithful servant” when we gaze
into His eyes.
It is something God has crafted into our
hearts-desires that defy the voices in our minds. Instead of listening to, “Stay
safe, stay comfortable, stay focused on you.” He challenges us to, Go out, go
where it’s uncomfortable, die to yourself.” This isn’t for the faint of heart.
At the same time, there are no superheroes.
Missionaries are a strange breed. What compels them to
throw their lives into the chaos of relocation and adaptation? Why go the places
where faith is met with hostility?
It’s not necessarily because they have spirituality of
epic proportion, specialized training or even a passion t reach the lost. They
often choose to go against the comfortably safe lifestyle simply because God
asks them to. He opens the door, and they walk through it.
God uses the broken, the quirky, the passionate, the
timid. More importantly He uses the willing-those willing to open their hearts
to love those who may be hostile to the gospel, willing to play a part, willing
to sweat in the heat, often waiting for years to see results. They’re willing to
step out in faith, trusting God to provide.
What motivates missionaries isn’t just measurable
results, but the expression of worshipping a loving God through obedience. Maybe
you’re meant to stay, but maybe God is opening a door that you need to walk
through.
-from Reach Beyond - Voice and Hands - Volume 11, No.
2 - Spring 2016