QT 1: Should I Be Going?

To begin, let’s think self-reflectively guided by the Spirit. Let’s begin with prayer:

Father, I pray that you would help me to see what is happening inside of my heart. I pray that you would help me to see what parts of myself I am not fully surrendering to you. Is there anything that I value more than your glory? Help me to subject those things to your Lordship. Most importantly, help me to want to know you and experience the joy of obedience for the name of Jesus more than anything. Amen.

First, think about this question and write down what comes to mind: If God asked me to go live in another part of the world today, what would be the hardest things to give up? 

Before we address the things in the list that you just made, let’s look at the best example of going for the gospel. Who better to learn from than the one who is the substance of the gospel itself: Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:5-8 - “…Jesus Christ, who, though he was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

In order for you and I to receive the gospel, the Father sent the Son. (“Just as the Father sent me, so I am sending you. John 20:21) But when Jesus went, he left a lot behind. Take a moment to reflect on the reality that Jesus was enthroned in the heavenly places and left to become a servant. In the space provided below, write down some of the things that Jesus had to sacrifice in order to go for the gospel.

How does this list relate to things that are difficult for you to give up?

Let’s refer back to the first list you made at the beginning of this quiet time. Below are some of the most common reasons that people will not go. Read through each reason and the Scripture passage that addresses it.

Is family a reason you will not go? – Read Matthew 10:37 –

Are friends a reason you will not go? – Read Acts 20:36-38 –

Is a standard of living a reason you will not go? – Read Matthew 6:19-21 –

Is safety a reason you will not go? – Read Acts 5:27-32, 40-42 –

Are opportunities a reason you will not go? – Read  Mark 10:29-31 –

Is insecurity a reason you will not go? – Read Exodus 4:10-12 –

What reasons on your list have not been addressed at this point? If there is anything left, before moving on, spend some time praying about those things. Imagine if God appeared to you, asked you to go and you gave him the reasons left for why you did not want to go, based on the Scriptures you have just read, how would he respond to your objections?

Now, here’s the reality, just because you should be willing to go, doesn’t mean you should actually go. Not everyone is meant to be a missionary, and that’s okay! If that’s God’s design, then he knows what he is doing. But what is most important is whether or not you are completely surrendered to God - would you be willing to go if God called you to right now?

So, to address the question that titles this devotional, if you can give the right answer to the question: “Am I willing to go,” at that point, God will answer the question: “Where should I be going?”

If we live fully surrendered lives to God, then God can take us and transplant us anywhere. God is not interested in using those who live for themselves. God wants to use those who are surrendered to him no matter where they’re at. “For the eyes of the Lord roam throughout the earth to show himself strong for those who are wholeheartedly devoted to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

Let’s end in one more time of prayer. This time, though, you’ll supply the words. On the lines below, write down some of the things in your life that are not surrendered to God. Take some time to consider those and lay them before him right now. Praise God who is committed to leading you where you should go.