I just had the opportunity to go on my first international missions trip. I have always wanted to go and share the love of Jesus with people who have never heard the Gospel in the past. I have always made excuses every time an opportunity emerged for me to go on one of these trips. I would say, "I don't have the money, I can't take time off of work, I don't want to be away from my family and friends for that long." All these excuses were lies from the enemy, trying to distract me from what God wanted me to do.
When the opportunity came to go to Costa Rica with our students and young adults, I jumped at the chance. I told myself I was not going to make excuses, but was going to act in obedience to the Lord. I am very thankful I said yes because this was a growing opportunity for me.
This trip was such an eye opening experience. I don't think I was mentally ready for what I was about to experience. We witnessed some very poor areas where people have very little. I honestly take for granted so much that we have here in the US. Missionaries are some of the hardest working people. I can't imagine doing what they do every day. I have such an appreciation for what they do.
There were many times I was pushed out of my comfort zone during this trip. I shared my testimony, taught a Sunday School lesson, taught dance moves in front of a school and more. These are just a few examples of times where I was so uncomfortable. I'm very thankful for the uncomfortable situations because growth came out of it.
I hope you feel encouraged by these verses for stepping out of your comfort zone!
"You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father
in My name He may give you."
John 15:16
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to
the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
And He said to them, “Go into all the world
and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15
Prayer Tip: Pray to be comfortable in the uncomfortable
I know that every morning I was there I would sit in prayer and ask the Lord to help me to share His love with those around me. I would ask Him to use me in spite of myself. The Lord did grant those prayers and gave me many opportunities to be uncomfortable. Something I always remind myself is to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. I hope that you feel encouraged by my experience.
Prayer Points:
Lord, give me opportunities to step out of my comfort zone.
Thank You for missionaries and what they do for Your Kindom.
God, please give me a boldness to share the Gospel to those around me.
Thank You for sending Your Son to die for our sins.
Lord,
I thank You for Who You are. Thank You for giving me an opportunity to go on this mission trip. I thank You for pulling me out of my comfort zone. I thank You for missionaries and how they share the Gospel with those around the world. I pray that You give me such a boldness to share what You have done in my life. You are so good and I'm thankful You sent Your Son to die for our sins. Thank You for growth!
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Your Friend,
Stephanie Madore
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