Considering Mission Work as a Couple - Crosswalk Couples Devotional - August 13
Considering Mission Work as a Couple
By Vivian Bricker
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Mission work is a noble task; however, not every couple is interested in traveling overseas to serve the Lord. While mission work is not optional, many Christians choose to turn a deaf ear to missions. When we are discussing mission work, we have to look at our options. Our options are to either choose to serve God on the mission field, help others serve on the mission field by providing financial, physical, and prayer support, or ignore God’s instructions and never become involved in mission work.
As believers, we need to try to either do mission work ourselves or to support those who are going overseas. Ignoring the call of mission work and choosing to stay in the comforts of life is not pleasing to God. When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He did not do so lightly. He died in order to provide salvation to all people. Knowing the truth of the Gospel should propel us to want to share its beauty with others, especially with those who have never heard the Gospel before.
I have been passionate about missions for a long time, yet I understand that not everyone feels the same way. I have seen many couples become divided within their marriage because one wants to serve in missions while the other does not. This can cause discord and division within the marriage because they are not united in thought. Arguments and fights break out as there is no unified understanding between the husband and wife.
For many couples, either the husband or the wife will feel a desire to do mission work, but the other might not have the same feeling. While there is not a divine call that will come out of the sky, there is an overarching call for all of us to serve the Lord overseas. This is known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The Great Commission was given to us by the Lord, and it is not optional.
If we look at what the Lord says, it will help us have a better understanding of mission work, what it means, and how married couples can get involved with this beautiful act of sharing the Gospel with others. Matthew 28:18-20 states, “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
From the Lord’s words, we are told that all authority on Heaven and earth has been given to Him, which means we need to go out to all the nations. When we go to the nations, we need to share the Gospel with them, make disciples of those who believe, and baptize those who believe in the Name of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Once we have done this, we are to teach them everything that the Lord has already taught us and commanded us. To bring comfort to our hearts, Jesus ends this discourse when saying that He is with us always.
If you and your spouse are considering mission work, know that this is what the Lord commands in Matthew 28:18-20. This is a call for all people, whether married, single, or divorced. Our ultimate purpose on earth is to help others come to know Jesus and train them in the faith. Therefore, if you and your spouse are interested in mission work, consider this the answer to your question. Jesus wants you and your spouse to share the Good News of the Gospel.
He has made you both a team to bring His Gospel to places unreached. Continue to pray over the situation and be open to His leading. If you are unsure of where to serve, God will make this clear as well. Take comfort in knowing that He is with you always, to the very end of the age.
Dear God, my spouse and I have been considering mission work. I know now that it is right, holy, and just to take the Gospel to all people. Please give my spouse and I direction as to where You want us to serve. Close the door on any opportunities that You have not called us to. Amen.”
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Related Resource: The Truth Every Overwhelmed Christian Mom Needs to Hear
Feeling overwhelmed by motherhood? Wondering how to prioritize your faith when you're barely keeping up with everyday life?
If you've ever ended the day feeling guilty because you didn't have time to read your Bible, pray, or spend quiet time with God, you're not alone.
In this episode of I Wish You Could Hear This, Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn sit down with author, speaker, and Equipping Godly Women founder Brittany Ann to talk honestly about the challenges young Christian moms face. Together, they explore how to grow closer to God without adding more pressure to an already full life.
Brittany shares her own journey of balancing marriage, motherhood, ministry, and faith, along with practical encouragement for finding God's peace—even in the middle of exhaustion and chaos.
Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
