Is a Mission Right for Me?

Missions. It seems that since the age change, everyone and their sister have been getting their calls (haha appreciate my lame joke please). You may be in the whirlwind that has seem to capture many youth as to whether they should serve or not. Mind you, this applies to girls and boys. I, myself have been in that same whirlwind. I'm here to offer some help. Of course you will need to consult with Heavenly Father and listen to the prompting of the Spirit, but maybe you were in a place with no answers like I was. Well buckle up children, and let me shed some light.

One of the first things to do before even praying and fasting to decide whether or not to serve, is to realize that you don't have to be perfect to go on a mission. What? Crazy I know. The Lord doesn't want perfect people. He wants imperfect people that He can help mold and shape, through trials, into someone greater. Ask any RM. They will tell you that they have grown so much because of their mission.

Now that we got that misconception out of the way, lets get down to business to defeat Satan! Yes that little bugger will probably try every excuse in the book to get you to not even consider a mission. Worthiness, spirituality, maybe even financial, he will use all of theses as excuses for you to not go. Trust in the Lord and come to accept that if He wants you to serve, He will make it happen.

Many of you may be thinking, "Well this still doesn't help me." Let us clarify some more. D&C 4:3- "If ye have the desire, ye are called to the work." The Lord says that if you want to serve, He will take you and let you serve. However, He may have greater things planned for you. This is where it gets tough. My bestie/sister Dev told me to just make up my mind and say I'll go. That way I only have to get approval from the Lord instead of directions. He did put us on earth to make decisions of our own (agency).

That's what I personally did. I said, "Okay Heavenly Father. I'm gonna go on a mission." Now granted I have a year before I can even report. But I did it nevertheless. My answer took about 3 months to get. I prayed for an answer nightly and fasted for it. Nothing. Then one night I was walking to my room to go to bed and it hit me. "You're going to go on a mission." I was excited. I had finally got my answer!

You may have to wait months to get an answer. You may get one right away. The Lord knows what He's doing. While waiting for an answer, do your part. Read your scriptures everyday and say your prayers. It may seem small and simple but that's how you show the Lord your willingness. Another thing I did, was I read mission books. 10 Questions to Answer While Preparing for a Mission and 30 Ways to Love Your Mission are my favorites. These are more for anyone and everyone preparing or debating. Girls, Do Not Attempt in Heels and Sisters: A Modern Girl's Guide to Serving a Mission are my top two favorite ones. Even if you don't end up going, you have still learned.

If you are one of the ones debating between marriage and a mission, Dev has more words of wisdom for you. "Preparing for a mission also prepares you for marriage." I couldn't agree more. Now I am neither married, nor an RM, but I do not doubt the truth in her words. No matter how young you are, you are never too young to start preparing for a mission. Even if you do not end up going, you will be spiritually stronger (and that's not a bad thing).

I testify that if you earnestly want to serve and prepare to serve, the Lord will put your efforts to good use. He loves you and wants each of His children to hear the gospel. "Look unto me in every thought. Doubt not, fear not." He will guide you through the promptings of the Holy Ghost. And lastly, a quote to sum it all up.

He will always help you. In all of your decisions, and in everything, He wants the best for you. Until next week my dears.

Love,
Janae