How many times to do we get an idea in our head and then plow forward to accomplish it? This happens so easily because we are determined and excited about our vision. But sometimes this can kill our dreams before they ever become a reality. If we are not constantly adjusting our ideas based on our surroundings we will be doing missions outside of reality. 

Sharon Mumper, president of Magazine Training International (www.magazinetraining.com) has this to say: 

"I would say the most critical attribute for a missionary in this (and every) century is flexibility and willingness to make compromises and adjust. I'm not speaking about theology here, but lifestyle, habits, customs, expectations, and plans. All this affects the missionary's ability to fit in, feel comfortable, be effective, and nurture healthy relationships with locals and internationals--in short, to be free from self-serving constraints in order to minister effectively as an ambassador of Christ in whatever situation He places the missionary."

So as you work towards God's call on your life, be well adjusted! 

There are so many resources to consider, but another one worth looking into is Mission Maker Magazine. You can find it online at www.missionmakermagazine.com.

This magazine is a key resource as you are considering missions. It is designed for those who are searching for their role.

Have you read it before? What do you think? 

Its happened to everyone. You get excited about a new mission opportunity and you can't think of anything else. You are up late thinking about what it would be like. You Google the country and begin to learn everything you can. People are praying and you are mentally there.

But then school comes, jobs wear you down, friends get closer, love happens. All of a sudden - more like over time - that excitement goes away.

We are all energized by ideas. The thing is . . . ideas aren't missions. Ideas aren't anything until we act. But acting takes a lot of things that are hard to muster: faith, courage, creativity, relationships, and the list goes on and on.

So why does God let us get so excited and then allow LIFE to steal that excitement. Well, I don't know if God does that but God definitely sees how we will react through that process.

That excitement that makes our minds race is really a jump start for the hard times. That excitement gets us moving but it doesn't get us onto mission with God. It is just the first step followed by a lot of hard steps.

Where are you in the process?

1. Are you energized by mission?
2. Are you burdened by the realities that come after that?
3. Are you breaking through those realities to see your role in mission become a reality?

Share your experience here for others to read