The term missionary means sent one. Someone recently asked me who was sending Cindy and me to Uganda. The answer was simply, "God." I was, for a micro-moment, tempted to feel as though that was an inadequate answer, realizing my interrogator wanted more detail, but I answered him with confidence, knowing that God will reveal to us the people and institutions with whom we will partner according to His timing.
I was reminded of the calling of the prophet Isaiah. It was revealed to Isaiah's spirit that God was deliberating, "Whom shall I send?" when he volunteered, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) Isaiah was sent to block the ears and speak a curse of ignorance to the people who would have to wait for God's promise, the holy Root of Jesse, the stump of cutoff Israel, to be revealed.
“‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;
be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’
10 Make the heart of this people calloused;
make their ears dull
and close their eyes.[a]
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and turn and be healed.” (Isaiah 6:9b-10, NIV)
What once was bound up has been uncovered, and what once was sealed has been rolled away. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has brought deliverance from this curse (Joel 2:32), and I stand as volunteer to deliver healing to those whom the Spirit will turn.
As written in 1 Peter 2:24,
24 He personally carried our sins
in his body on the cross
so that we can be dead to sin
and live for what is right.
By his wounds
you are healed. (NLT)
Isaiah was willing though he wasn't sure what he was volunteering for. Cindy and I are not sure what lies ahead either, but we are willing to give up house and family and comfort to respond to this call toward serving the children of Uganda. Every moment I am away, the passion for them grows stronger.
Dear Father, today, help me live the today You have given me and trust You with tomorrow. Thank You for opportunity to serve You now, even as I prepare for a new ministry yet to be birthed. Help me be patient and grow as You cultivate. Raise up Your servants to do what needs to be done, and grant that my part may be played according to Your perfect will and timing. In Jesus' name, amen!