From Feeling Stuck to Walking in Obedience
“Do you still want me? Are you even going to use me?”
These questions often go through the minds of those preparing to serve cross-culturally. Whether it’s developing a support network, waiting for visas, or experiencing a global crisis, most of us have faced that moment of tension––even doubt.
After a 27-year career as an eye technician, Jen felt the call from God to go to Europe with Greater Europe Mission. But in 2020, as she prepared to leave the life she knew, the world shut down. Stuck in a small, country town in Connecticut, she questioned whether she had been wrong and if God still wanted to use her to advance His kingdom.
Jen chose to believe.
She decided to use this time of waiting by beginning language lessons and going on daily walks. She knew many Europeans often walked everywhere, so Jen wanted to stay active and get used to her soon-to-be new normal. She walked past big hay fields and became familiar with the cows. She enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation as she gazed across two little mountains to a modest farm.
Walking in Obedience
When her walks lengthened in distance, she started making friends with her neighbors, stopping to talk, or just smiling and waving as she passed by. With her neighbor, Lisa, short interactions turned into longer conversations, and longer conversations turned into a friendship. Not a Christ-follower herself but a self-proclaimed “good person,” Lisa was intrigued by Jen’s faith and her call to the mission field.
After waiting for months with little progress, suddenly Jen had a new plan, a visa, and a plane ticket. The night before her departure, Jen spent time with Lisa and her family. As Lisa drove her home, Jen felt led to share a story she heard in college:
A woman was driving alone on a dark night when her car broke down and with no way to call for help, she prepared to spend the night in her car. Suddenly, a man started beating on her window, yelling for her to get out of the car. Terrified, the woman watched in shock as he grabbed a rock and then shattered her window, unlocked the door, and dragged her out of the seat and away from the car. Moments later, a train plowed through her car, completely destroying it.
With Lisa captivated by the story, Jen went on to explain, “You are that woman. You feel safe hiding in your dark car.” Using this illustration, Jen went on to share the gospel with Lisa and explain how a “good person” is still a sinner and still needs salvation.
That night, in the darkness of her own car with Jen by her side, Lisa accepted the gift of salvation and asked Christ to be her Savior.
Timing is Everything
Less than 24 hours later, Jen was on a plane heading to Europe. After what seemed like endless waiting and what felt like wasted time, in just two short, hectic weeks, Jen was on her way.
“God said ‘I want you there. I’m going to get you there,'” remembers Jen. “And He picked me up by the shirt and threw me across the pond.”
Jen still thinks about Lisa, who continues to walk with Jesus. She realizes that no time is wasted and she can be used by God anywhere at any time to bring light to those in the dark.
“I was so thankful,” Jen says. “God was giving me this little glimpse that yes, He can still use me and things have only just begun.”
Wherever you are today––whether you’re stuck in a season of waiting or right where you know the Lord wants you to be––have faith that God has a purpose and is always working. When you position yourself to be wildly obedient, God can and will use you wherever you are. All we need to do is say yes and walk where He leads.
5 ways to prepare yourself for cross-cultural service
- Like Jen, start walking. Meet your neighbours, prayer walk your neighbourhood, and create a map of your local area.
- Ask God to reveal: What needs do you see? How can you respond? Who can you invite to help you?
- Download Duolingo or watch YouTube tutorials to become familiar with your potential new language.
- Research the region where you’ll be serving. Do people from that language or people group live in your area? Visit their churches, storefronts, or community centres.
- Keep your eyes open. God can and will use you today, right where you are.