Something my missions professor talked a lot about this past semester was missionary calling. We debated in class if willing individuals, even if not best fit for the job, should be sent out as missionaries. For a homework assignment we read a story about a family applying to the mission field. As the readers, the students were supposed to determine weather or not this family should be sent out and why.
In this story, the father has many qualifications for the job, but his wife isn't exactly on board with the mission. In his interview with the mission board, he says that he is a pastor at a church and is just waiting to go overseas to make a difference. The problem I had with this particular guy was that he was so ready to go, that he wasn't willing to stay. He felt that he could learn so much overseas and serve God better there, but he wasn't willing to serve God in the church in the states.
We talked about this issue in class. Then my professor said this, "Here's the important thing for all missions, whether in the business world, church, overseas missions, or in the home as a parent, we all need to submit our will to God's". This concept of submitting means that I'm allowing God to take me where He wants me to go. The truth is, submission should happen at many different times throughout life. Sometimes we submit playing on a team to God, saying that we will bring Him the glory whether the outcome is a win or a loss. Sometimes we submit a challenging friendship to the Lord, asking Him to give wisdom. Sometimes we submit a relationship to Him, asking that it resemble Him rather than our own selfish desires.
Submission to God has an interesting outcome. When we submit to God, He recognizes our willing hearts and rewards us with what is in our best interests in the end. Always.
Furthermore, when we submit ourselves to God, a transformation takes place in us. Our hearts change from a self-seeking attitude to thankfulness. We recognize that all the things we have are from God and we are grateful for any of the blessings He gives us. That is God's desire for us in relationship with Him: that we would submit ourselves to Him, become dependent on His will, and thank Him for His provision. Sarah Young says, "Let my Presence bring order to your thoughts, infusing Peace to your entire being" Along with His direction, He gives us the gift of peace.
Romans 8:25, 28
"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently...And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose"
All truly good things are good because they bring glory to God.
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