“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Read Jonah 1-3

Do you ever look back at events in your life that, at the time, seemed totally devastating but actually changed your course forever for the better? Maybe it even pushed you to do something you otherwise would have never done. To me, my dad’s story is the ultimate example of this type of blessing in disguise.

In 2012, my dad parted ways with the hospital he had been working at for 12 years. Since this had been his comfort zone for so long, he felt lost and disheartened. Unbeknownst to us, however, he had been hearing a command to step out of complacency for many years and had been ignoring it due to the very job that held him stationary. This was God calling him to missions.

When God asks big things from us, it’s not easy to say “yes.” Becoming a willing servant means giving up the lifestyles that make us feel comfortable. This leads to excuses like “Oh, that can’t be for me” or “Maybe in a few years.” Like Jonah, we may even try to run from His call. And that’s when we end up in the belly of a fish — dumped by a boyfriend, denied a promotion, deserted, or even damaged. These experiences of hitting rock bottom are often what empower us to finally step out in boldness to whatever God has asked of us. Though we may have “momentary troubles,” His promise of eternal glory helps us to focus on what is unseen and follow Him with unfaltering faith.

Since 2012, Dad has been to Peru, Zambia, Ethiopia, and Togo on six separate medical missions with Samaritan’s Purse and is currently working at a field hospital in Mosul, Iraq. There is probably no way to count the number of lives changed because he stepped out in obedience. I hope to be bold like my dad in every way and am so proud of how he honors Christ now with his WHOLE life.

What has God been calling of you recently? Are you listening or trying to ignore that call? I pray today that you would be open to hearing from Him. He has given us the strength and promises to lead the way, all He asks is for our willingness to take the first step.