It has always been my experience that when it comes to mission trips of any kind, planning is critical. Travel and logistics, resources and materials, rooming lists and on and on. While all of this planning is important, mission trip plans usually break down at some point. Vehicles have problems, weather can be uncooperative for outside venues, people can get tired and crabby...stuff happens. When our well intentioned and well thought out human plans go awry, this is when we discover if we have done the most important planning - our spiritual preparations.
Throughout the entire Bible we see the people that God uses being prepared for the task God has for them. Joshua told the Israelites to "consecrate yourselves" as a means of preparing to cross the Jordan River and occupy the Promised Land. Jesus frequently went away to be alone with God, often before some of his most significant teaching and miracles. If it is a big enough deal for the Son of God to spend time alone with his Heavenly Father, then that probably means it is a behavior we should emulate. Just a guess.
The High School Ministry pastors, Andy Rauschkolb and Melissa Marshall, have done a good job of preparing the students and adults spiritually for this trip. We have talked about God's view of poverty and the poor, how God loves us equally no matter what our socio-economic class may be, and how all of us should be open to allow God using us in unexpected ways.
This is all well and good for a mission trip but what about for everyday life? Are we prepared for the "slings and arrows" aimed at us by our adversary Satan, described by Peter as a "roaring lion"? We must prepare DAILY for battle with the Evil One. Just as we must DAILY deny our old self and pick our cross, we must also DAILY but on the full armor of God.
Are you ready for battle? Are you prepared? I assure you the enemy is.
Game on!
Soli Deo gloria.
Michael
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