I was asked to write a blog post for My Hope with Billy Graham, and I thought I would share it with you.
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Since I was a little girl, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel the world alongside my dad. I have seen more of the world than most people see in a lifetime – lands destroyed by war, countries swept by famine and villages washed away by tsunamis. I have danced with tribes in the middle of the African desert and had more adventures than you can imagine. In my 27 years, I have stepped on to many mission fields.
In the last few years, I have had many people ask me about missions. I am always amused when someone wants my opinion, because I always feel too under-qualified to offer it. Many people want to know what they can do, where they can go, or if God has called them to the mission field.
My response is always the same, and this goes for you, as well. We are all called to missions. Don’t always be so eager to go to some far off land to serve the Lord. We are all on a mission field each and every day. We might not all be called to extreme conditions such as tropical rainforests or African deserts, but that doesn’t mean to minimize where God has you currently.
God may be calling some of you to international missions. If you feel that call, that is something you should pray about. But, for many of you, your mission field might be corporate meetings, classrooms, PTO meetings, sports fields, neighborhoods, gyms, grocery stores, and anywhere else we go during our daily routines. Our mission fields change during each chapter of our lives. We shouldn’t miss these opportunities right where God has currently placed us.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (NIV) When you are out eating in a restaurant, are you kind to your server? When you are getting your daily latte at the local coffee shop, do you engage your barista? Do you respect your neighbors? Do you lend a helping hand to your friend? When you are in the school cafeteria, do you ever sit with the person who looks lonely?
My husband and I are currently serving in a unique mission field, the NFL. It is quite different than the other “mission fields” I have experienced, and it certainly has its challenges. My heart longs for us to serve the Lord permanently alongside my dad as he travels the world, but while my husband Corey plays football, I’ll do all I can to make an impact where I am.
Is your heart content with where He has you right now? Are you trusting Him? Are you honoring the Lord in all you do? Are you making the most of every opportunity that comes your way?
You also are on a mission field daily. You never know when an act of kindness one day can turn in to a conversation to share the Gospel another day. It could be your server, barista, classmate, colleague, neighbor, or friend.
Remember, God asked us to speak the Gospel. Don’t worry what others might think, how awkward it might be, or worry about rejection. He will honor you and take care of the rest.