THE WRONG GUY FOR THE JOB
Micah Smith
Today's Scripture: "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." Matthew 28:19, ESV
Theme: We serve our global neighbors because of the Great Commission Jesus gave to all His followers.
SIGNING UP FOR DISASTER
I first felt called to a global mission trip while part of a small church in San Diego. The church organized a trip to Nicaragua, and I signed up. I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. A previous mission trip with Campus Crusade had been very focused on sharing my faith through conversations, and it was great—but this was Nicaragua, and my Spanish is no bueno. We'd be partnering with a local church to serve an organization providing education and meals for kids who otherwise had no access to either.
Cool. So, let's take stock of my qualifications to add value here: really bad at Spanish, not super handy, and I had zero experience dealing with kids (outside of previously being one). I'm sure this will go great.
As the trip got closer, I started second-guessing everything. How was I supposed to "make disciples of all nations" when I could barely order food at Taco Bell? What value could I possibly add when I didn't know how to fix things, teach things, or even communicate in their native language? The Great Commission is this massive, intimidating mandate—"Go to ALL NATIONS and make DISCIPLES"—and here I was, completely unqualified for the job I'd volunteered for.
OBEDIENCE OVER OUTCOMES
The reality was that God wasn't calling me to know exactly what every person needed or to have a clear strategy for how I'd make an impact. He was calling me to be obedient. To show up. To trust that He could use me even when I couldn't see how.
And He did. Despite the language barrier, I found things I could do. I could help paint. I could play soccer with the kids (though they kept insisting on calling it "football"). I used to play baseball, so when the kids wanted a full-time pitcher, I grabbed a ball and got to work. It turned out that God didn't need me to preach eloquent sermons or lead altar calls. He needed me to show up with a paintbrush and a soccer ball and make kids feel loved.
I didn't baptize anyone that week. I didn't lead anyone through the sinner's prayer. But I learned something more important: the Great Commission isn't about checking boxes or measuring conversions. It's about being at the right place at the right time and listening to God’s nudges to get out of your comfort zone, even when you don’t know why. It’s about trying to be the person He's created you to be.
Do I always get it right? Nope. Most likely, God will one day tell me there were lots of nudges I completely whiffed on. But I do try to stay in tune with how, when, and where I can serve others—just as Christ calls us to serve.
Make it Personal: Where is God nudging you right now that feels outside your skill set? What if "making disciples of all nations" starts with being obedient in the small, uncomfortable moments rather than waiting until you feel qualified? The Great Commission isn't a job description requiring specific credentials—it's a call to go where God sends you and trust Him with the results. Maybe your "Nicaragua" is across the globe, or maybe it's across the street. Either way, God's not asking if you're qualified. He's asking if you're available.
Pray: Father, thank You for the Great Commission—not as a burden, but as an invitation to join You in Your work around the world. Forgive me for the times I've let fear or feelings of inadequacy keep me from going where You've called me. Help me recognize Your nudges and respond with obedience, even when I don't see the full picture. Teach me that making disciples isn't about my competence but about Your presence working through my availability. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Read: Matthew 28:16-20, Acts 1:8
Weekly Memory Verse: “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.” Matthew 28:19, ESV