Chapter 8
Conclusion:
On Being Strategic

By now it should be clear to all that there really are significant and substantial changes sweeping through the International Mission Board. Far more is at stake than a mere name change or reconfiguration of departments. In response to the radically changing world in which we serve, our own organization is gearing up for great new possibilities. Hopefully, it's also clear that the real author and shaper of this change is God Himself.

God's challenge that we look to the nations--for I am going to do a work in your day that you would not have believed even if you were told!--is truly a word that speaks to us today. God is orchestrating mighty activity among all the peoples of the world. Those who are sensitive to this new wave of divine activity are able to enjoy it and participate in it to the fullest. What more could any missionary desire?

So how do we get onboard with what God is doing? By renewing our commitment to Him to take all that we have and are and can possibly be and conform ourselves to the desires of His heart.

This is the true meaning of being strategic in our missionary endeavors. The word strategy comes from two Greek words: stratos which means "a line" and agein which means "to lead". Together they carry the idea of aligning ourselves or leading all our resources into alignment with what God is seeking to accomplish.

The best way for each of us to be strategic is to pray daily that God would search us and know us in order to purge every sinful aspect and redirect every corner of our life and work into harmony with His divine will. When this occurs, we can know that we truly are on mission with God. Those who have experienced this joy know what a tremendous privilege it is. Being on mission with God is no accident. It is hard, soul-searching, life-changing work. But being on mission with God, alone, has the air of eternity about it. As Christ's disciples said to him, Lord, where else would we go? For you alone have the words of eternal life. So it is with a life and ministry that is on mission with God. It is difficult; it is challenging, but it has the quality of eternity about it.

Once you find yourself strategically aligned and fully on mission with God, there's nothing left to do but hold on and enjoy the journey!

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