Mistakes In Missions

Thursday was not the greatest of days. Well, it was in ways that weren't work-related. One drop would have been enough. But there were a couple more. Then there was mine...not a contribution I wanted to make.

As I drove back, I prayed what God might have for the #missionsFriday post. Still reflecting on the frustrations of the day and my recently discovered contribution to the mess, I wondered...

do mistakes happen on the mission field?

It'd be foolish to think they didn't, as missionaries and their teams are just as human as you and I. But what do they look like?

Logistical errors and delays in distribution of resources? Miscommunications with the people-groups they are attempting to reach? Scheduling issues when missionaries are doing itinerary and raising funds? The list might be longer than you think!

It's easy to think the work they do comes naturally because of the very nature and concept of missions.

Be that as it may be, the struggle is real. The burden they carry for the lost and the hurting is great. The passion they have for the people-groups they reach out is incredible. And the potential for burn-out in the ministry is just as great as it is for pastors.

My mistake bothered me for quite some time after I realized what happened. The boss wasn't exactly thrilled on the phone. It'll probably come up first thing in the morning. And while it matters, it's not an eternal matter. Missions... it's foundation is eternal. How much more frustrating the mistakes missionaries deal with, live with and have to move forward in spite of, compared to what you and I face in business.

How much more, should grace abound regarding mistakes on the mission field!

Pray, this #missionsFriday, for the missteps and mistakes on the mission field. May they pursue to do the work of the Kingdom with excellence at all times. Pray a spirit of grace about their lives, to cope and to cover the mistakes in ministry that may occur along the way. Pray for strategies and processes to be instituted, to help keep the frequency of mistakes at bay. Pray against the potential for burnout; for strength in the midst of the struggle; for help in carrying their great burden.

This world and all that is in it, will one day pass away, as will the mistakes that go with it. But for eternity, God uses all of it for His glory. May His grace cover the negative impact of our mistakes upon the message of Christ. May all realize just how short we fall in light of the goodness and greatness of God. Pray we draw ever closer to God, as we continue to live and learn.

For His Glory... because it's His Story. Our lives, pointing others to His.

-PNC

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