"Then he said to them all, "If anyone would
come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow
me." (Luke 9:23)
Measuring the cost vs benefit of following God's lead and
serving overseas is difficult. Are there
benefits? Absolutely! We can count numerous benefits to our family,
our marriages, and our spiritual lives. There are many, many benefits to living
a life of service, at home and overseas.
But, are there costs?
Absolutely! There are daily,
painful, and difficult costs on our lives.
I think there is a cost anytime you follow God out of
obedience. In scripture He calls it “taking
up our cross.” There is always a cost to
following Christ. And although the costs
of moving out of your home culture to serve alongside the Good Shepherd are
unique, these costs can also be heavy.
What are some of the costs?
1) Fear of
persecution and possibly death
2) Not
being there for the final moments of your parent’s life.
3) Missing
your niece’s birth.
4) Having your
young child grow up not knowing the name of your relatives.
5) Missing
that graduation, that 50th birthday party, and the Thanksgiving dinner.
6) Being
forgotten, or instead, being so deeply missed that you are the source of someone’s
pain.
7) Not
having that youth group, Grandma's mentoring, or that Christian friend for a
young, growing daughter.
8) Not
being there when your best friend passes away.
9) Not
having a primary care doctor that knows you, has known your medical history, or
even your name.
These are only some of the many costs.
But is it worth it? You know what He has asked of you. And, you know His will is for His glory and
our best. You know the benefits.
So, of course it’s worth it! “Peter answered him, Lord, to whom
shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)
The benefits most definitely outweigh the cost, Always! Where else are we to go? But, there is a cost, and there is a cross. And we must carry it.
Yes, there is a cost!
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