“I had no idea it would be this hard,” I told my friend as I quickly wiped my wet cheeks. The first months of being on the field seemed to crush me. I’d been warned that culture shock was, well, shocking, but my! It was so tough. 

My friend listened intently, handed me a Kleenex and gently related her experiences to mine. She told me that language learning was an ongoing experience, and assured me that someday going to the market might even be fun. She laughed at my blunders, let me know she’d stop by again, prayed for my strength, and hugged me goodbye. My shock wasn’t gone, but my tears disappeared (at least for a while). 

Her words reminded me of His, for though God doesn’t mention culture shock in the Bible, He does warn that we will suffer. When that suffering comes, it is not only our friends, but His promises that help us press on.  

Listen to a few of the things He has to say: 

- Psalm 116:1-2 “I love the Lord, for He heard my voice: He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.” (When we cry out, He listens.) 

- Hebrews 4:15-16a “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need…” (He’s merciful, knows what we’re going through, and will help us walk even when we’re in pain.) 

- 1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (There is purpose in this suffering, and it will not last forever.) 

- Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (He’s not leaving us.) 

You may be way past the culture shock phase of global work, but you’ll never be past the possibility of suffering. May His promises help those tears dry.