I enjoy my life on the field. I’ve been doing it for decades.

But coming home to the U.S. is also great. So great, in fact, that I always struggle when it comes time to return overseas.

Other people’s pressure to stay home in America never helped my struggle. “Your children will be warped, maladjusted, misfits!” a few people reasoned, telling us how much better it would be to raise our children in the U.S.

Still, we went, raising three wonderful daughters on the field. It wasn’t easy. It would’ve been a lot easier in America. I found it so hard every time we said goodbye to our loved ones and got on a plane to go back to the field.

But God knows that. He knows my heart. He knows that I am willing to return to my life overseas, even if I am a bit hesitant.

So why am I willing? It comes down to why my husband and I went in the first place.

We went because we are burdened for the lost. We went to obey Jesus’ command:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

If God has called us, He will take care of us. He will supply us with daily and sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). I believe this and cling to His Word, the only guidebook that can truly speak to my needs and give the help I need.

Remember that when Jesus sent out His disciples in Luke 10, He didn’t ask, “Are you ready?” He said, “Go.”

There is no ideal time when you’re supposed to go to the field.

Many single men and women wonder if they should wait to go overseas until they find a spouse. The reality is that life on the field will be hard—sometimes heart wrenching—for singles.

Married couples face profoundly difficult questions like, “Can we do it with little ones? Will my spouse be ok? Will the medical care overseas be good enough? What about education?” Couples and families will encounter many obstacles as they decide to go overseas.

But I’ve come to the conclusion that there is no easy age or perfect time for God to call us to go. If we wait and try to discern the ideal time, we’ll never go.

Now, when I look back on the decades I’ve spent obeying God, I realize I wouldn’t have done anything differently. Even when I’ve felt so hesitant to obey, God has remained so faithful and provided for every need.

Just think about when we get to Heaven: what a glorious time to reunite with people we’ve interacted with from all over the world—brothers and sisters who have also courageously said yes to obeying Christ Jesus.

God bless you, fellow messenger of the Gospel. Be honest with the Lord, wrestle with your questions, and depend on Him to give you today’s grace to step forward into His vision for your life.

**This account comes from a long-term worker.**