Maybe you’ve heard global workers refer to “lifers”—people likely to remain in their host country the rest of their lives. Maybe it’s spoken with a little awe, or a “wow”-level, respectful shake of the head. Maybe people cite global workers of the past, who brought their coffins with them upon arrival.

When I lived in Uganda, I wanted to be a lifer. Something told me my husband wasn’t one. I hoped to prolong our time there as long as possible.

But a few facts feel relevant when it comes to longevity.

1) God has already numbered our days in our host country. He knows the day, time, and second He has ordained for us to leave (Acts 17:26).

2) Perseverance and steadfast love (hesed love) are praised throughout the Bible (James 1:3-4, Romans 5:1-5).

3) God prepared in advance good works for me and my family to do (Ephesians 2:10). I don’t want to do more or less than those. I.e., I don’t want to stay longer or shorter than He has planned, in His goodness.

4) God delights in involving me in His work of making disciples of all nations. Yet this work does not depend on me.

5) The gospel spoken to my family through our decisions on their behalf is also highly valuable and not to be neglected.

6) It would be a loss if I stayed or left for the wrong reasons.

7) Staying or going on an abstract principle—like “staying = true dedication to the gospel” or “leaving = flaking out”—could keep me from pursuing the Holy Spirit’s guidance for my unique life/family and circumstances.

Maybe, like me, deciding when to go or stay will be heartrending. It might even, perhaps inappropriately, make you feel like a failure.

But following God’s will? That’s of far more value than the perceived heroism of being a lifer.

Rather than pursuing a status resembling faithfulness, let’s press on to listen and follow.