“I have something in mind for you that’s outside the norm. Will you trust me? Will you follow me? Will you obey?”

We had been ministering at the same Christian school for almost twenty years when God began to stir our hearts. He gently interrupted our peaceful existence, and we began to sense that change waited around the corner. Over time, we realized that God wanted us to be involved in Christian education in another cultural setting, another country. 

Raising financial support by inviting churches and individuals to give was a fearsome concept. Hadn’t we always taken care of ourselves, earned our way? I wondered how many people whom God had called to serve cross-culturally were unwilling to obey for this exact reason. Despite my fear, His grace walked us through this looming transition.

On more than one occasion, I wondered why God asked us to make such a significant life change in our mid-forties. There was certainly nothing unique or outstanding about us. Slowly I began to see that as the very reason God had chosen us. Reading 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 left me with no doubts. God chooses the foolish things of this world, the ordinary, the weak, and the lowly, because He can best demonstrate His eternal power through them. 2 Corinthians 4:7 further reminds us that we are like cheap clay pots, earthen vessels. He puts His eternal treasure inside us to show that the all-surpassing power is from God, not us. An exquisite, exceptional, or costly vase would detract from the message. What a tremendous privilege to share in church after church during two years of pre-field ministry the truth that if God could use ordinary people like us, He could use anyone. 

Stepping out in faith is not really about bravery or courage. It is all about obedience. When God gives people a desire and a passion for a particular ministry, they will never again be satisfied remaining in the pew, sending others, or praying for them and supporting them financially. God calls many people to do that, but He asked us to go. I am so glad we chose to obey!