Paul talks in 2 Corinthians 11-12 about the hardships he has endured. In Galatians, his head is ready to explode because they seem ready to exchange “salvation through grace” for “trying to be good enough” to earn salvation. In 2 Timothy, he is alone because almost everyone has abandoned him. In each of these cases, Paul falls back on his calling. He doesn’t worry about men who can kill his body but not touch his soul. Paul is constantly leaning into what Christ is doing and has already done. He doesn’t see the sovereignty of God changing in the future either. Paul has confidence in Christ and in his calling. In effect, he says if I am following Christ and the calling He has put in my life, it's all going to be okay.
The mission field can be hard. Your motives and ministry can be truly and/or purposely misunderstood. It can be lonely. In those times, it is faith, confidence in Christ, and dwelling on your calling that gives you the strength and peace and grit to endure and flourish. Please be in prayer for our missionaries to not only endure but to flourish in their calling!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples you have given in Your Word! Thank You for being a God who keeps His promises! Please strengthen our missionaries with peace and clarity in their callings. Help their faith to grow as they see over and over again that you are worthy of our trust.
