When people ask me how long I’ve been serving as a global worker in Poland, I feel old when I answer, “Thirty-four years.” I went over when I was ten, right? Not exactly. Where did the time go? It (almost) feels like yesterday when I boarded the plane on that hot July day to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Another question that arises is how I have been able to stay in Poland for so long. I often wonder the same thing myself. Believe me when I say that more than once, I wanted to give up, pack my bags, and go home. So, what kept me on the field?

I went to Poland because I believed God had called me to that beautiful country, and I’ve stayed because I’ve never accepted discouragement as a valid reason for leaving. I have always assumed that God wants me to stay until he calls me somewhere else. If I’m to move, it should be for a positive reason and not because I’ve thrown in the towel.

Of course, circumstances such as war and persecution can force us off the field, but I’m not referring to such situations. None of the times when I wanted out of ministry were because of dangerous events but instead because I was downcast and disheartened, usually due to a lack of visible fruit. However, whenever I sought God’s will, I could never honestly say he was calling me elsewhere. And so, I stayed.

We can find many examples of discouraged Biblical heroes who were ready to give up, yet God called them to remain faithful. One such person is Joshua. He must have had many fears and doubts as he prepared to lead the Israelites into Canaan because God spoke to him directly and repeated the command three times to “be strong and courageous.” In Joshua 1:9, God mentioned a critical reason for Joshua not to be discouraged—God Himself would accompany Joshua at all times.

Isn’t it the same with us? If God has called us to ministry, He will be with us every step of the way.