This morning I read Day 16 in Shaunti Feldhahn’s devotional “Find Joy”, titled “Every Life Has a Story.” It’s about how we often go through life in such a hurry that we miss the people passing by. (Excellent devotional, by the way, highly recommend!)

As I pondered, I looked at how I am so often “on a mission” everywhere I go. I carefully allocate time for driving, shopping, meetings, and other activities. I sometimes don’t answer my phone if I’m doing something and don’t want to be interrupted. I am so focused on what I am doing or where I’m going that I fail to notice the people around me. My focus is to accomplish the next goal in my day.

Can you relate?

Then God whispered, “the journey IS the mission“.

Ouch! Not how I approach my day! I would say I believe the saying, “enjoy the journey”, but then as I focus on my daily goals that thought falls to the ground and I trample all over it.

God’s mission is for us to make disciples. Part of that is showing people His love, sharing the gospel, and praying for them. Many times those God wants us to love, share to, and pray for are people we meet during the day – in a grocery store line, in traffic, at the gas pumps, or pretty much anywhere we walk. Divine appointments. And we miss them.

The journey is the mission.

Ponder that thought and let the Lord open your eyes in a new way as you go about your day. See the people, pray for them, be kind to them, smile. Be listening for the Holy Spirit to direct you to those in need, those who are not in your path by accident.

When and where you sense the Lord’s lead, step out boldly in faith. You never know what blessings or messages He has prepared for others through you…unless you act.

Don’t delay, start today. Then experience His joy as you let your journey become your mission.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
(Isaiah 52:7, NIV)