What do the lyrics of the Mercy Me song, "Here Am I," an internship program in London, and a few church services have in common? It just might be God's way of letting you know you're called to go across the world.
Since coming to college, I have changed a lot. At least I think so. It may just be the culmination of a process I've been in the middle of for several years now. Either way, I'm more outgoing than ever, I'm looking into things I never thought I would be interested in, and I like it. Sometimes the change shocks me; sometimes it yanks me out of my comfort zone; sometimes it's just something I didn't expect. No matter what it is, it's different and it's exciting.
One of these changes I have noticed is that I was suddenly interested in studying abroad. I'm going to be completely honest, until I got here, I was dead set against going half way across the world from everything I've ever known for a full semester or even a few weeks over the summer. However, it now seems like an amazing opportunity and an easy way to fulfill my desire to travel to Europe.
But I'm not one to make a decision like this easily. It costs money to study abroad. I have friends and family back home I would like to see more than a few weeks out of the year. Just because it sounds cool, doesn't mean it's a good idea. But is it being a good idea what's really important? Maybe I should be more concerned with if it is God's idea. Cue praying...
When I pray, I expect an answer. Normally, I get my answer from the Bible, so I start looking for parts of the Bible that will relate to what I'm praying about. So... I start asking God if He wants me to study abroad, and as a result start thinking, "What on earth could I read in the Bible that has to do with an internship or an exchange program in London?" The first thing to come to my mind - Matthew 28:19 (the Great Commission for those of you who don't know). "Ok, God. Is that really my answer? Surely not."
As if that wasn't enough, I went to church last Sunday (as usual). Well, the service was not usual. The church I was at just so happened to be continuing their mission convention for the year. This Sunday's guest speaker - a missionary from Europe. Followed by a song that asks God to send us into the world. "Alright, God. I get it. I'm supposed to go." As if that wasn't enough, He had to go and remind me that I've been asking Him to "send me" ever since I learned the song "Here Am I." (Thanks, Mercy Me.)
Then, Tuesday night, He had to go even further. I was at Chi Alpha worship service, eager to hear our guest speaker for the night. Guess what. He was a missionary from the UK. "I get it, God. I'm going."
But still not wanting to rush into it because of emotional reactions to all the changes in my life and the services I'd been at, I was just going to keep praying because, as my pastor likes to say, "If it's God today, it'll be God tomorrow." So yesterday, I'm reading my Bible and this verse stands out to me. I finish reading the chapter and go back to think about the verse some more. Looking at what I had highlighted, I realize what it says. "Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God." The first word is yes. It's decided. I'm going abroad, not just as a student or intern, but as a missionary.
I've told this story to say this. If you're at a new stage in life, accept it. It'll bring changes, but God is working through those changes. Branch out. Step out in faith and let God show you where He wants to take you.
Oh, and just a word of advice. When you're singing a song, particularly a Christian song, be careful what you're singing. It just might be a prayer God will answer, whether you want the answer or not. (But it's normally a good answer, so I suggest singing it anyway.)
