Mission Trip Checkup: On MissionSample

Trust the Process

A missionary partner once wrote to our organization telling us a story that had happened in the Philippines. A man came into the clinic saying he needed reading glasses. The team tested several prescriptions on him, then asked him if he could read the chart. His answer was “No” every time.

Concerned, a team member asked, “Can you see the chart?”

“Oh yes!” the man said. “I can see, but I can’t read, and I thought that with the reading glasses, I would be able to.”

What we want is usually preceded by what we need—in this case, this man wanted to read, but he really needed reading lessons.

Kingdom work, like learning to read, is a process. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3, the seed that eventually bears fruit must be planted, watered, and God makes it grow. Jesus put it another way: “I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest” (John 4:38 NLT).

Whether you’re reaping a harvest on this trip or mainly watering seeds, devote yourself fully to the work and trust the process. Until a seed sprouts through the soil in the form of a plant, we don’t know what our efforts are accomplishing. In the same way, we never know where someone is when we minister to them. View yourself as another of God’s faithful workers in the process only He can bring to fruition.

Be praying that the seeds you sow fall on good soil and also pray for eyes to see…and read.

Practical Considerations:

• You may be winding down on your time in country, or this may be only day six of many more. Either way, the present is always a great time to reflect and pray for open eyes, not only for yourself, but for the people you’re serving.
• Slow down when possible and pay attention to the people around you. Be present. The best interactions come when we’re available.