When I was a new missionary, I was invited to attend an international women’s Bible study in Nairobi.  They were beginning a study of the book of Genesis.  Having been in the country for a year I was starting to feel settled, but also dealing with a lot of homesickness.  As we began to study Sarah, I realized here was someone I could easily relate to.  She left the familiar comforts of her home, and followed her husband, going to a place that she knew nothing about.  No survey trip for the Abrahamic family—she went trusting in God’s promises for their unknown journey.

God had promised Abraham many things—that He would make of him a great nation, that Abraham would be blessed, that he would give him offspring, and that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him.  Abraham and Sarah had promises from God that they could depend on.  We can also depend on God’s promises when we “go” in obedience to His will and commands. 

We can know God will protect us, according to Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”  In the life of a missionary we will most certainly experience trouble.  It’s a comfort and blessing to know we can turn to God as our refuge and our strength.

We can trust God will provide for us.  Psalm 23 reminds us that as our shepherd, God is caring for us, providing food and water, leading us, walking with us in our darkest valleys, preparing a table for us even in hostile environments, and his goodness and mercy are following us all the days of our lives. We often have many needs in our lives, but we can trust our Good Shepherd to care for us.

We can trust in God’s presence and guidance in our lives.  Psalm 139:7-8 says, “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.”  God is always with us, no matter where we go.  We may feel lonely, unknown, bereft of any who understand us, but in reality, God is with us. 

As we go, we can trust in God’s peace and strength. Psalm 29:11 reminds us, “The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” The world today is in turmoil, and often our personal peace is easily shaken.  But Jesus is our peace, and God is able to give peace and strength to those that are His.

As Abraham and Sarah, who were not perfect people, had their share of ups and downs, and obeyed God, in time, God blessed them with a son, and that blessing continues to bless us today through the person of Jesus Christ.  Whatever tough times you are facing today as part of your cross cultural journey, whether it’s homesickness, struggling with fear, isolation, worries about situations back home, problems in ministry or struggles in child rearing, hold strong to God’s promises to you. Allow Him to use you to bless others as you follow Him and cling to His word!

I recently heard a new song by Francesca Battistelli entitled “He Will”. I pray these words bless you as they have me.

“I’m face-to-face with impossible
And I’m praying hard for a miracle
I don’t know how this story ends
But I know the one who
Holds it in His hands
When has He ever failed me?
When has He been untrue?
Down in the lowest valley
He still comes through
Right now I need a rescue
From the God who rescues still
I don’t know how He’ll do it
I just know He will.”

Pam Konnerup