Many people think that the most anxiety filled part of missions is the departure and the actual mission itself. This, in my experience, is purely false. Missionary work, though immensely fulfilling, is riddled with obstacles one must jump through in order to succeed. Stress and worry flood my thoughts as a missionary WAY before departure. In preparation for my most current mission to Ghana, which departs this May of 2020, I have succumbed to many anxieties about the trip. I worry when I will find time to raise support for the missions between being a full time student, and working full time. I worry that I won’t raise enough financial support in time for departure. I worry about getting all my shots and paperwork together. I worry about leaving my family and work and being unplugged for months at a time. I even worry about the mission itself. When we get there will the people be receptive? Will I say and do the right things? Will I really make any sort of impression on these people’s lives? (See Matthew 6:31-34)
The list of variables, ‘to-dos’ and ‘what ifs’ is overwhelming. I had expressed my anxieties with my mentors, small group, prayer team, and of course God trying to alleviate some of the pressure of it all. One evening, a few weeks ago in my small group one of my friends told me, “Hansley there is absolutely no sense in worrying about this trip! Matthew 6:27 states ‘Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?’ No it can’t. Worry can do nothing for you!” I was taken aback. I’ve never thought of my anxieties in this way. I had fed my anxieties with so much time and energy and emotion I was at the point of exhaustion. But what did that add to my life? Being anxious wasn’t productive and didn’t get things done. Lamenting over the ‘stresses’ of my lengthy to-do list didn’t make them go away. And no amount of worrying added anything but toxicity to my life. After meditating on this verse, in my quiet time I’ve been focusing on casting my anxieties to God (See 1 Peter 5:7) and asked Him many times if this was truly His plan for me, and how would it all workout. Then, I focus on shutting off my brain and simply listening. I’ve realized (and I’m still trying to remember) God has constructed the never ending list variables and ‘what ifs’ for a tactful reason. I have begun to realize God calls myself, as well as other missionaries, on these tumultuous quests not only to spread His word and love to others, but certainly to strengthen our own relationships with Him as well.
I am purly a stwerad and servent to Him. Everyday I lean more and more on Him. I focus on making a legitimate effort to truly give my every anxiety to God and listen closely to what He wants my next steps to be. God says countless times in His word to STOP and BREATHE. He says “Be still… the Lord will fight for you.” (See Exodus 14:14) As it is growing closer to May and therefore closer to departure I am beginning to embrace that my only job is to listen and obey. All of my worries were based on ‘I’ statements. How will ‘I’ get this done or do that. But I realized in study and talking to God that ‘I’ don’t do anything. God does it ALL. He makes all things come together according to HIS will. God will provide. Period. (See Luke 12: 22-24) Where God guides you, He provides for you. (See Isaiah 58:11) There is no need and no place for worry in your heart. Be so dependent, anchored and connected with God that worry slips to the wayside. It is no longer a part of your life and your purpose if Jesus Christ is your savior. God never worries- He’s got this, and He has us too.
-Hansley Osborn
02.14.2020
Matthew 6:27
27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 6:31-34
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
1 Peter 5:7
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Exodus 14:14
14 The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Luke 12:22-34
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
Isaiah 58:11
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
