Spirituality in mission is not about our efforts to appear ‘spiritual’, to do all the right things, and impress others. It is to stay connected to our Source, experiencing His presence and trusting the only One who loves us eternally. It is also to stay true to the heavenly calling which is our ‘mission’.

There is a pattern in the Bible of God’s people being called and experiencing the Lord’s presence as they walked in that call.

When Adam and Eve were created in God’s image they were also called to care for all life on earth. The Lord did not leave them alone to do this work, He walked with them in the garden. He did this even after they had sinned against Him and He provided covering for them through the shedding of blood. (Gen 3:8-21)

Moses was called. At the burning bush the Lord said, “I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt….so now, go.” When Moses hesitated, the Lord replied, “I will be with you”. (Exodus 3:8-21)

Later, Moses finds himself in the reality of the call to lead a very discontented group of people. The Lord says (Ex 33:3) “Go up to the land…but I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people”. Moses was in the habit of meeting with the Lord, and he cries out to the Lord “if you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so that I may know you and continue to find favour with you” The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Ex 33:12-16)

I can identify in a small part with Moses at the burning bush. When I was asked in 2016 to take on the IMCC role I felt inadequate- “Who am I?” After much prayer I knew this was the Lord calling me and so I have walked in this call by His grace and enabling presence. I find He has given me my own ‘shoes’ for this walk, as well as many gifted people to walk alongside.

Peter found himself in the middle of a storm, afraid, without Jesus present. (Matt 14:22-33) Jesus appears, calls Peter out of the boat and into the storm with Him. But Peter looks around and begins to sink so he prays- “Lord, save me”! Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. It was the Lord’s presence that saved Peter, bringing peace and rest into the situation.

I remember being in a very hard time, betrayed and hurt by God’s people. I was angry and didn’t know what to do. As I prayed, I cried out to the Lord from the depths of my heart “I trust You!” and immediately I felt a deep peace and reconnection with the Lord. Even though the ‘storm’ was still there, He was holding my hand.

There are many resources I could recommend for cultivating God’s presence as we walk in our call. I find worship and a regular, wholehearted focus on the Lord Himself is a great encouragement and source of strength. Reading the Bible in one year, with commentary, on a Bible app is an aid to reflection and growth. Devotional materials, for example the books by Henri Nouwen, provide inspiration to connect with the Lord at a deeper heart level.

“When I trust deeply that today God is truly with me and holds me safe in a divine embrace, guiding every one of my steps, I can let go of my anxious need to know how tomorrow will look, or what will happen next month or next year. I can be fully where I am and pay attention to the many signs of God’s love within me and around me” Henri Nouwen.

Finally, our call may be exciting, or it may be confusing; we may not be appreciated by those we seek to reach. The season we are in may end and we don’t know what will come next…but the Lord’s presence remains forever. His love endures forever. (Psalm 136). Trusting Him is the true foundation of spirituality in mission.