“How long have you been in Poland?”

I inwardly wince as I give the answer. “Thirty years.” Boy, does it make me feel old! Where has the time gone?

I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact I’ve been here this long. I certainly didn’t expect it when I headed to the airport to fly to Warsaw all those years ago. Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that I had to get on that plane.

Many people have asked me how I’ve managed to survive this long on the field. I always share a principle that I learned during my four-year stint in the Army. Soldiers are taught that the last order they receive applies until they get a new one. I believe it’s the same with the Lord. 

God directed me to come to Poland, and I haven’t received new orders since. Have I ever wanted to leave? You betcha! Have I argued with the Lord about possibly changing his commands? Absolutely. But at the end of the day, I stayed because God made it clear that I should. If He wanted me to leave, He would tell me.

The author of Hebrews wrote his letter to encourage his readers to persist in their faith despite persecution. Granted, the context is different than serving on the field – although persecution may be part of that, too – but we can apply its principles to our situation. The truth is that anytime we aim to do God’s will, we need perseverance.

We must have the kind of endurance that keeps us rooted in place until the Lord tells us to leave. This attitude comes from the conviction that we are exactly where God wants us to be. Like a good soldier, we hold our ground until our commander says otherwise. 

What is the promised reward? The context of the verse in Hebrews refers to salvation. But in terms of ministry, I hope to hear the words someday, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” No matter what we may have to endure, it will be worth it.