You think you're prepared.

You've sent out support letters, raised funds with your team, prayed over the country, and packed all your bags. You think the hard part is over, and all that is left is to hop on a plane and begin your journey. But, what I'm here to tell you is that you are not prepared for what your heart will experience. Sure, there will be cute babies, ministry opportunities, and a chance to see a different part of the world; however, there are five issues of the heart that will be addressed while on short-term missions:

1. Be prepared to fail.

You won't be able to share the love of Jesus with everyone, and that's okay. You aren't called to fix the problems, you're called on missions simply to serve. At times, you'll feel like your work is useless, but as long as you are representing Christ and allowing God to work through you, His Kingdom will be brought here on earth. Rest in that peace.

2. Be prepared for others to minister to YOU.

Yes, you are the missionary; however, missions are not only supposed to change the lives of unreached people and those that haven't heard the Gospel, but also those who are serving. God uses this time, where you can hear Him clearly and are surrounded by a team continually seeking God, to address issues of the heart. Don't go in with the mindset that this trip is solely about spreading Jesus to the world. Though this is the focus, don't limit God's power and ability to transform your heart, too.

3. Be prepared for spiritual warfare.

Missions are a time when you will be physically, mentally, and spiritually drained. The enemy uses this opportunity to get inside your head and tell you that you aren't good enough and that you aren't making a difference. But, the beautiful thing is that God shines brightest in our weaknesses. This is the perfect opportunity for you to completely surrender yourself and rely on God. You will experience His faithfulness firsthand because there will be none of your own strength left. Rebuke the enemy in the name of Jesus. Speak Scripture over your life daily, and he will flee. Know that this vulnerability is meant for God to thrive, not for the enemy to gain control.

4. Be prepared to see unknown beauty.

Seeing beauty around the world brings mixed emotions. You're overjoyed that you get to experience it, sad because you can't share it in the exact way you lived it and frustrated because not everyone will understand the beauty you saw in the people and the ministry the way you did. But know that God knows what kind of beauty you need to see. He uses it to reach you--embrace it.

5. Be prepared to believe.

Believe that God will heal people. Believe that He will empower your team to spread the Gospel and create new followers of Jesus. If nothing else, prepare to know that God is moving where you go, whether you see it or not. Strengthen people's faith by sharing your own. Have confidence that your God is the King of Kings and that He will move.

These 5 lessons you'll go through on missions will make a mark on your life. Be open to God's individual lesson that He wants to teach you. Most of all, be prepared to be a light, but also see that light that God wants to show you.