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Courage for the Call

As I sought the Lord, I remembered the mandate He’s given us to “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
Lloyd Kim|24 Jan 2019
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When I first came into my role as coordinator of MTW, I was asked by the Committee on Mission to the World to focus on three key areas: diversity, globalization, and mobilization. My family and I had just returned from Southeast Asia, where we served as MTW missionaries for 10 years. Our new life in Atlanta and my new role as coordinator were very different from our life and ministry in Cambodia.

In the midst of these enormous personal changes, I was tasked with implementing big changes in our organization. It was a challenge. Yet, as I sought the Lord, I remembered the mandate He’s given us to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” We have a clear call. And it’s our responsibility both individually and as an organization to be good stewards as we live out that call.

For many of us, the call is scary. It’s difficult. It’s full of changes and challenges that stretch us beyond our own abilities.

I have been reflecting on the book of Joshua, especially the first chapter where Joshua takes leadership after Moses. The refrain that is echoed is, “Be strong and courageous” (1:6,7,9). But how? The key is in the fact that this command is always connected to a promise of God’s presence. Why is this important?

God does not tell Joshua, “Be strong and courageous because you’re bigger, you’re stronger, you’re smarter than your enemies.” No, the reason why Joshua is commanded to be strong and courageous is because God is with him. He will never leave or forsake him. In other words, Joshua is not to trust in his own abilities for courage and strength, but in the promises and presence of God.

As we read the book of Joshua, we quickly realize that the way God’s people win battles is not through military might, intelligence, or skill, but by trusting in God, trusting that God is faithful to His promises, trusting that He will go before them and win the battle on their behalf. The way we can be strong and courageous in the face of rapid change and uncertainty is to live by faith—faith in the greater Joshua, Jesus, who has defeated our enemy and leads us into His heavenly promised land. We can be strong and courageous because by His Spirit, He is with us even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20).

God invites us to participate in the redemption and renewal of His broken world: preaching the gospel of grace to the lost, bringing justice and mercy to the poor and oppressed, advancing the kingdom of God throughout the world. This is a big call that requires bold hope. For some, that call means going to the ends of the earth—to the slums of Ethiopia and the megacities of Asia, to refugee camps in Europe, and villages high in the Andes. For others, it means serving in our churches at home—sending, giving, equipping, and supporting. For all of us, it means seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness—courageously.

This was originally published in The Journey devotional, 2018. Lloyd Kim is the coordinator for Mission to the World. 

 

 

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Lloyd Kim

Lloyd Kim is coordinator of Mission to the World. He is a former PCA pastor and a former missionary with MTW in the Philippines and Cambodia. He holds an M.Div. from Westminster Seminary in California and a Ph.D. in New Testament studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. Lloyd and his wife, Eda, are the parents of Kaelyn, Christian, and Katy.

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Pray that God would remove perceived obstacles people have to serving in missions, and that those He is calling would take steps to explore service.

Related Story right-arrow

Pray that those who experience God's grace through mercy ministry would be drawn into the local church and accept the truth of the gospel.

Related Story right-arrow

Pray for missionary kids growing up overseas, and for missionary parents with concerns about the impact of missionary life on their kids.

Related Story right-arrow
video

Ministry Expanding: Join a New Team in Southeast Asia

Longer More right-arrow
video

Join an Expanding Team in Occidental Mindoro

Longer More right-arrow
video

Madagascar: New Team Forming

Longer More right-arrow
video

Yes, You Can Serve in Missions Even If …

You might think you're not qualified for missions for any number of reasons, but you might be just the person God wants to use.

See More right-arrow
video

How Church Planting and Mercy Ministry Work Together to Advance the Gospel in Cambodia

In Cambodia, as in other MTW fields around the world, planting churches and establishing ministries of mercy and justice go hand-in-hand.

See More right-arrow
video

9 Ways to Care for Missionaries

Missionaries need discipleship, care, and connection to the body of Christ. The church can step in to help.

See More right-arrow
video

What’s Really Needed to Serve in Global Missions? 7 Qualifications You Likely Already Have

Some perceived barriers are just weaknesses God can use. While others can be easily developed.

See More right-arrow
video

Do We Love the World as God Loves the World? (VIDEO)

In this talk from the 2024 Global Missions Conference, Lloyd Kim reminds us of God's sacrificial love. What are we to do in response?

See More right-arrow
video

The Slow Work of Waiting

Waiting stretches us. It tests our patience and humbles us. But God's plans go deeper, wider, and broader than we can imagine.

See More right-arrow

Pray that God would remove perceived obstacles people have to serving in missions, and that those He is calling would take steps to explore service.

Related Story right-arrow

Pray that those who experience God's grace through mercy ministry would be drawn into the local church and accept the truth of the gospel.

Related Story right-arrow

Pray for missionary kids growing up overseas, and for missionary parents with concerns about the impact of missionary life on their kids.

Related Story right-arrow
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mtw logo
Mission to the World
1600 North Brown Rd
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
United States
Donor-Advised Fund Portal
Circle Portal
About arrow-down
    • Who We Are
    • Where We Work
    • US Regional Reps
    • Our History
    • MTW Staff Careers
    • Contact Us
Pray
Stories & More
Events
My Account arrow-dwn
    • My Account
      • My Giving
      • My Profile
      • Giving FAQs
Go arrow-dwn
    • Search Opportunities
    • Mission Trips
    • Summer Internships
    • 1–11 Months
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    • Specialized Ministries
      • Medical
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    • Multicultural Mobilization
Give arrow-dwn
    • Donations Hub
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    • Projects
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Resources arrow-dwn
    • All Resources
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