Being a missionary is a lifestyle, not a location. God has shown me this and how it benefits me, and sometimes doesn’t. God presents opportunities to each of us every day. Are we saying yes? Or no: I’m too busy; I can’t do that; I don’t even know them….

One early Saturday morning I was driving to meet a friend to go hiking. A bit chilly so I got out of bed a few minutes late, making me a few minutes late. I know Americans value time so I was rushing. As I am driving there, I turn a corner to see a girl pushing a little yellow car. She gave it a shove and then jumped in and it looked like she was trying to pop the clutch to start the car. I said, Lord help her get it started. That still small voice said, you help her.  

I kept driving though, looking at the clock, praying for her car to start, knowing I was already late. Turning the next corner away from her I felt conviction, like God was saying, “really, you’re going to let her do that on her own?” I would love to tell you I stopped right there and ran back to help her but I didn’t. That would be an outright lie. I kept going.

Thinking of my friend standing there in the cold waiting for me, I sure did, I kept going. Then the song, “You’re the God of all my days” came on. I like this song. And it was like God tapping me on the shoulder again saying, help her. So I decided at this point, yes, He was the God of all my days and if helping this lady is in the plan then I will be late for hiking.

I made the u-turn and go back to help the lady in the yellow car. When I turn around the corner and see her, there is a man helping her push her car into the gas station lot. I was sad and a little mad at myself, I missed it. I felt like God told me, I missed out on the blessing of helping and that guy was getting it because he has said yes immediately.

He showed me being a missionary is a lifestyle, not a location. It is a decision to live my life a certain way. And that does not depend on where I am, who I am with, or how late I am running.

Prayer Requests:

That I would live the missionary lifestyle.

That we would all demonstrate the love of Christ when the opportunity presents itself.