To prove to all the naysayers that I can.
First, let me say that this is not my top reason for wanting to go on a mission trip. However, call it the rebel within me, but whenever someone tries to tell me that there’s something I can’t do it makes me want to prove to them all the more that I can. In addition, if I truly believe that “with God all things are possible” (Matt. 19:26 NIV) and it’s God’s will for me to go, then I must also believe that God will ultimately provide everything I need to go. Besides, there’s a part of me that hopes my determination to go will eventually speak volumes to those who are already convinced that they can’t.
Why climb Mount Everest? Because it’s there? To prove that you can, right? Same thing holds true with mission trips. Therefore, just like The Little Engine that believed he could, I’m going to keep on telling myself, “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can” until it finally becomes “I know I can,” “I know I can.” After all, if I don’t that believe I can go, who will?” How do I believe? First I have faith, and faith comes by hearing the Word of God. (Rom. 10:17)
To be able to go on a mission trip you must first believe. What do I believe?
I believe that God chooses “the foolish things of this world to shame the wise.” (1 Cor. 1:27) Since I most definitely fall into that category, why wouldn’t he choose me to go?
I believe God can take one ordinary, sold out person and use him or her to accomplish extraordinary things. He did it time after time in the Bible, and he can do the same with you and me today.
To see the full list of reasons, Click Here.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I’m all for being adventurous, but I’m not really getting this line of reasoning. I should go on mission just because I’m able? Just to prove a point? Really?
Granted, you throw in the concept that this is only OK if you believe that this trip is God’s will for you. If you really believe it’s God’s will, though, shouldn’t obedience be reason enough to go? Do we need to add pride to the mix?
I agree that God will offer provision that will overcome our fear, which I think is the main thrust of your argument. But I don’t think the desire to prove ourselves should be a main driver for our decision to go on mission.
Instead, we should follow the advice outlined in the last half of your article. We should admit along with the naysayers that we don’t have the strength but rejoice that God’s power can help us overcome any hurdles that might keep us from accomplishing his will.