It's so easy to glamorize missions. Foreign countries, amazing adventures, seeing people coming to Christ and knowing that you are making a difference. What a life!
However, what we don't see is the sacrifice. Years ago, missionaries would pack their belongings in a coffin with the knowledge that they would never return home. Many buried their spouses and children--some without seeing a single convert. Disease, beatings and death were constant companions of so many missionaries.
Not sounding so glamorous anymore is it? Today, missionaries still face trials. It wasn't that long ago that a missionary couple in Africa were attacked, beaten and left for dead. It's time to count the cost.
Missions can't be viewed as just a quick spiritual "pick me up". Prayer, a knowing that God is calling you and wisdom is needed. You need to have an understanding of the reality of long term (and short term) missions. Sacrifice, loneliness, isolation and culture and language barriers will be there.
On the flip side, when you are called by God, His grace, peace, supernatural strength, favour and blessing will follow you. You will witness miracles and see Him provide like never before. Your life will never be the same.
Short term or long term, count the cost and don't be afraid to step out when God calls you.
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