As my family has spent a year preparing to be God’s servants as missionaries, I have found that Satan has much to say on the issue, and to my reluctant admission, I am quick to listen to his suggestions. So I share with you, a few of the conversations I’ve had with the enemy of men’s souls this past year. (Note: thoughts are written in italics).
Monday Morning
Satan: Have you thought about what moving to a different country will mean for your kids? I mean what if they can’t make friends because they never grasp the new language? What if they don’t adjust to the culture and it is a constant struggle? What if they feel afraid? What if they can’t go to college because you don’t have enough money?
Me: Is taking a twelve year old to the mission field really a good idea? Life is already so difficult at that age. Is leaving the country just going to make the season that much more stressful? No, those are worries. God says, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well Therefore do not worry about tomorrow…”(Mt. 6:33-34). “These things,” include my children. God will take care of my kids as I seek His kingdom.
Monday Mid-morning
Satan: So, let’s talk about your health. You know you will be eating different foods, drinking water that is probably contaminated with parasites, engaging with people who could have ringworm or lice.
Me: Maybe I don’t have what it takes to be a missionary. Could I actually eat a dish that I find repulsive, knowing that if I refuse to eat it, I could insult the hostess and ruin an opportunity to share the love of Jesus? Could I really hug an orphan with an open wound? Do I really have what it takes to be God’s witness? But God your word says, “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Lk. :12:4-7). I do not need to fear the physical trials. God cares about me. Immensely.
Monday at noon
Satan: How much Bible do you really know? What is your degree in? Spanish? From a public university? Wow, that is really helpful. How do you expect to teach others about the Bible when you know so little? You are totally inadequate.
Me: How am I going to teach someone about the Bible? There is so much I don’t know. What am I thinking? There’s no way I can share God’s word with others. No, the Bible says, “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers (teachers) of a new covenant—not of the letter, but of the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:5-6). My competence comes from God, not myself. God has everything I need to serve others.
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