One year ago today, I was in Africa for the first time. I say first, because it won’t be the last! It was my first international mission trip and the first time I led a mission trip. I find it exciting to just get everything out of the way all at once. I’m brave like that.
Actually, brave was the last thing I was. I was terrified to be away from my family and my life in Cottage Grove. I was sure I was going to do something as the leader that would tick everyone off. I thought I would offend the people of Uganda by doing something stupid. Fear, insecurity and generally thinking too much about myself almost had me talked out of going on this life changing trip. Thankfully, God is bigger than my junk and He continued to show me that I was supposed to go.
I hear from people all the time that they feel like they are supposed to do something, but they don’t know what. That they want to go on a trip, but they don’t feel qualified. They want to serve and volunteer, but just don’t have the time. Or know where to start.
Maybe that’s you. And if it is, I want to encourage you. I want to tell you that for every question, concern, or hurdle placed in front of you, God still wants you. In fact, he wants nothing more than for you to love Him and others.
And if you are still feeling unqualified or unsure, let me tell you about some Bible passages that came alive to me in a new way while I was in Africa. I want to remind you of a man named Moses. I know you remember him floating down the Nile in a basket, telling Pharaoh about the plagues, and the small thing of parting the Red Sea. But I want you to remember that time that he heard God’s voice coming from a burning bush.
Here are some of Moses’ responses:
× Exodus 3:11 “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh?”
× Exodus 3:13 “Then what should I tell them?”
× Exodus 4:1 “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me?”
× Exodus 4:10 “O Lord, I’m not very good with words.”
× Exodus 4:13 “Lord, please! Send anyone else.”
It’s a burning bush. And God is actually speaking to him. And Moses is disqualifying himself at every turn. How often do you respond like Moses? How often do you question how God made you and what He wants you to do? While it might take some convincing, the most amazing things happen when you do what God asks you to do.
So let’s go be brave. Let’s learn from Moses and get going on the mission that God has called us to! If you have no idea where to start, let’s get coffee and talk about what sea you need to part.
Lisa Adams
Director of Missions and Care
Living Out Love 