When You’re Struggling to Bloom Where You’re Planted

I didn’t really understand the idea behind “bloom where you’re planted” as a child. At six years old I sat at my windowsill, gazed out upon my quiet little neighborhood, and whispered the prayer, “God…please send me to Africa.”

Here I am, nine years later, sitting at my desk, writing this out as an overseas missionary in West Africa.

Goodness, our God works wonders, doesn’t He?

But it wasn’t until I became an overseas missionary that I realized the value of not being one. If that made you frown, good. You’re the exact person I want reading this. And you aren’t the only one feeling confused. Buckle up, friend, let’s go for a ride…

Reaching All People

I have encountered many teens my age that want to go into overseas missions—and I cannot begin to express how joyful that makes me! But there is also a huge gap in our understanding of the great commission, and it saddens me deeply to find that very few teens wanting to go into overseas missions are practicing where they already live.

Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 

There are two little words here that are vitally important: all nations.

Not just China.

Or North Africa.

Or Paraguay.

All nations.

In the past three years I’ve talked with several friends considering suicide, known almost a dozen American teenagers struggling with eating disorders and depression, have had countless American friends that feel disconnected at their church and youth group, and have even had conversations with a Muslim friend in America that has no one else to tell her about Jesus.

So, I wonder…where are America’s missionaries?

We’ve forgotten what it means to bloom where we’re planted.

When you look to serve Jesus, don’t forget about the lost and hurting people that are already before you.

Everyone needs Jesus.

The Importance of Cultural Understanding

One of the most difficult things for overseas missionaries (particularly TCKs and MKs) is adapting to cultures. We live in the world…but we don’t really understand the world. It’s a strange mindset where everyone around us sees and feels and thinks differently. They have a home, a nation, and an identity that applies to this earth.

We don’t.

I’m white as the sand on Kaunaoa Bay’s beaches but I don’t think “American” or act “American” or speak “American.” My culture is a mix of French, African, and a dash of American.

It’s like taking a ball of blue clay and a ball of yellow clay. Everyone is either yellow or blue. I used to be blue. But then, one day, God took the blue and the yellow and He rolled them into another ball…a swirled one. Now I’m blue and yellow and green.

And yes, it’s beautiful…but it’s also a mess.

Overseas missionaries have to learn how to work past cultural barriers before we can even begin trying to minister. For example, if I correct my dad’s French in public, namely in front of an Islamic man, it is considered extremely offensive. But I wouldn’t know that unless I first learned the rules of the culture.

That’s the wonderful thing about being called to serve right where you are. You know your culture’s mindset, perspective, and greatest needs. You know how to approach them and challenge them. Don’t take that for granted! There is such an amazing opportunity at the tip of your fingers…don’t let it go to waste. Bloom where you’re planted.

What Overseas Missionaries Wish We Could Tell You

Before my family went into overseas missions, I put missionaries on a pedestal. To my little-girl-heart they were “Christian heroes” and meant to be admired. I was always a bit jealous when they came back to America on furloughs and visited our church, sharing about all the amazing things that were happening overseas.

They’re such “perfect” Christians…I would think.

And I couldn’t have been more wrong.

What you don’t see are the quiet mornings when I walk up to the roof, sit down, and watch the thunderclouds roll in while the rain dances in the swirling wind. You aren’t there when I simply bury my head in my arms and cry because somedays I don’t have the strength. Or the courage. Or the passion. Some days I’m tired and lonely and scared.

Because ya know what?

I’m human too.

Missions is just living as a Christian overseas. The only difference between me and you is that tiny, little word—overseas.

I’m no better than you. Yes, my experiences differ from yours…but yours are just as important. In fact, you might be surprised how similar we are. I still get bad grades and have long cries and bicker with my siblings. I don’t visit all my African neighbor’s houses everyday to sing songs or tell a Bible story.

We’re just ordinary people trying to live for Jesus.

It’s all a beautifully broken journey…and you’re a part of it too.

Steps to Consider When Trying To Bloom Where You’re Planted

One of the most important things about our walk as believers is learning to serve God to our fullest ability wherever He has us. And if you’re still learning, that’s okay, I am too.

The steps given below won’t change things overnight, but with determination, and prayer, we’ll be able to have a better perspective and approach to our current, everyday situation(s).

1. Value the opportunities before you

Look at the world around you with a new perspective—seek the lost and hurting people. Pray for open doors to share the gospel and lonely souls to care for.

I used to really struggle with this one. It seemed like even when I looked for opportunities, they simply weren’t there. There’s two problems with that mindset 1) sometimes we have to make opportunities and 2) usually the opportunities are there, they just aren’t opportunities we want.

Unfortunately, we don’t get to “pick and choose” our preferred opportunities. What we do get to choose is how we approach the ones God has already laid before us.

2. Trust Yahweh fully

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”-Proverbs 3:5-6

There is a time, a season, and a purpose for everything. In the middle of what might seem like a complete mix-up in the plans you have for your life, don’t forget about the One who has already written out your days.

Cling to the truth even when it doesn’t make sense and have faith that He will guide you and use you in His timing and according to His plan for your life.

3. Love unconditionally

God has shaped each of our hearts differently. Which means while one person might be burdened for the Muslims in Saudi Arabia, another could feel called to pray for and serve the pastors and leaders at their church.

Being able to identify and value our gifts of love and sympathy is important. But it can also be one of the greatest barriers in our ability to bloom where we’re planted. Once we feel a particular burden for a certain area, situation, or people, we can become blind to the hurting souls right in front of us.

Do not be more aware of the eyes of starving children in India than you are of the depressed teens in America that are living on the brim of suicide.

Use every opportunity to love without limits.

Take Advantage of Every Moment

God has each of us where we are for a reason. If you’re following Him and continuing prayerfully, you can know that He is working. It takes a season for a seed to grow.

And if you feel a particular calling or burden, pursue it under God’s timing and direction. You may even end up serving Him overseas. But for now, I challenge you to ask yourself: what does God want from me today? How can I bloom where I’m planted right now?

Because following Jesus is waking up every morning and whispering, “Okay, Lord…today is Yours.”