April 30, 2021

How to Navigate the Disruptions of Missionary (or Normal) Life

“Change will be a constant,” the speaker said. My mind knew what he said was true, but my heart rebelled. “I don’t like change!” a voice screamed inside my head. Our missionary lives are filled with disruption. It is the reality we face as Christian workers abroad, now, more than ever.

Change is difficult, but we can respond with grace.

Difficult News At the Airport

Last week, one of my students faced a challenging disruption. In the Getting Started in Disciple Making Movements course, we have Whatsapp communities. These small groups support and encourage one another.

I’m a member of all the groups, but we have amazing moderators who primarily interact with those communities. Not long ago, as I do almost daily , I was scanning the messages in the groups, pausing to pray for different students. A chat caught my eye.

“We weren’t able to board our plane. There was a problem with our passports. We are on our way home and are so disappointed!” Those weren’t her exact words, but that was the gist of what she shared with her group.

My heart went out to my fellow struggler. It’s not fun to face rejection at the airport. Not fun at all! You pack up your family, say your goodbyes, go to the airport, and then…you aren’t able to leave for the field you planned to go to. Hopes and dreams are put on hold through a significant, painful delay.

This isn’t the only disruption I’ve seen or experienced in the past few months. Dear friends in India are facing massive disruption. A new wave of COVID-19 is sweeping through their nation. Hundreds of fellow workers and friends are hospitalized, on ventilators, or scrambling to get medical care. Some have gone on to heaven.

Disruption. It’s so tough.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV.

How Do We Navigate Disruption With Courage and Grace?

1. Be real with God (and yourself).

Some traditions teach us to ignore emotions. “Keep your chin up!” we say. “God is in control. Praise His name!” Sometimes even hearing scripture verses quoted grates on my spirit. Let me explain.

Though I deeply believe in the truth of Romans 8:28, it is often not the right thing to quote to someone in the midst of a crisis. It’s not always the right thing to say to yourself either!

God is a loving, relational God. He wants us to talk to Him about our feelings and struggles. Our Father is there to hold and carry us through these tough times. Pretending we are okay, when deep inside we are not, isn’t useful. Be real with God and with yourself in times of sudden change.

Take time to grieve the loss caused by disruption. It is biblical and appropriate to do this. There is a whole book of the Bible called Lamentations after all!

2. Don’t isolate. Reach out for community.

In times of stress and trial, we can be tempted to isolate. Not being real about our struggle is a form of isolation. We hide behind statements where we say the right thing, while inside we are suffering deeply.

God designed us to need genuine community and fellowship with others in His body. We were made for relationships, not isolation. The first step toward navigating disruption with grace is to open up to trusted friends and share your challenges. Let them encourage, minister to you and pray for you.

This can be especially difficult for those who carry titles like Pastor, Missionary, or Leader. We falsely believe we have to stay strong for others. Your transparency about the pain of disruption is important. It gives others you lead permission to be real as well.

3. Go back to that place of radical surrender.

Our lives are not our own. As disciples of Jesus, we are those who have deeply surrendered to His will. When faced with a crisis or disruption, go back to that place of radically letting go of the right to control your own life. Surrender releases peace. You may not like what is happening. But you choose to accept it. You choose to let go of needing to be in control of timing, process, outcome, relationships or anything else you are tightly holding on to.

“My life is yours, Lord. Help me trust you in this season” is a simple breath prayer I often pray.