Knowing vs Doing
Knowing vs Doing
Do you remember when you were younger and going through the process of learning to drive? First, you attended classes and watched videos. You learned all about safe driving rules that you needed to know as a driver, and how to use the pedals, turning indicators, side mirrors, lights, and horn. When you got behind the seat, you felt nervous but excited and ready to show that you could do it.
Were you able to apply everything that you knew about driving when you were behind the wheel that first year? Probably not! A significant number of new drivers experience a fender bender during that first year. Why? It is one thing to know something, but quite another to live it. Learning to drive is only one example, but others that you might relate to are growing a business overseas, planting a church, pastoring a church, building a successful mission team, or effectively parenting your kids.
At some point knowing has to become doing.
No doubt you are physically serving where you are today because you felt passionate or deeply called by God to serve Him as a global worker. Early on, you likely prepared by gathering as much information as you could about missionary work. You diligently studied, listened, discussed and prayed. You were on track to learn about a new culture, language, team dynamics and tackling ministry challenges.
So now you are on the field, making new relationships and actually having the opportunity to apply all that knowledge you learned. Your experience on the field has been a piece of cake with no major surprises… Wait a minute – you say that has not exactly been your experience? Do you feel as though you should be doing it better, more smoothly? Feeling discouraged?
It is in these moments we lean into the truth of Habakkuk 3:19: "The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights." This reminds us that while the "road" may be steeper than we expected, He is the one providing the traction. He is sovereign over the process of your doing, not just your knowing, and He provides the strength to navigate the elevation.
By continuing to humbly seek Him in everything you do, God will patiently teach you how to apply learned knowledge of missions and scripture in powerful, beautiful ways. He will teach you how to navigate those relationships on your team, your family, your sending organization, and your new neighbors who do not yet know Christ. Just like learning to drive, the road ahead of you will seem easier to manage over time.
Enjoy the ride as He shows you the trees, the flowers, the landscape and equips you with all you need to know about the road conditions. Trust that eventually riding alongside God as He confidently takes you down this road will lead to a greater sense of confidence and peace as He drives you past familiar landmarks and takes you safely over bumps while avoiding road hazards.
God is sovereign, in control and He can be trusted. You can relax.
-Your MissioCare Collective Team