The Quest for Confirmation

Our family returned from Thailand just one month ago, and many friends have asked us how the trip went. If I had to choose a single word to describe our trip, that word would be confirming. Although we still face many uncertainties as we prepare for next year’s transition to Thailand, God has graciously given us one certainty we need most at this moment: Thailand is indeed the place where he is calling us to serve. That single certainty outweighs every uncertainty.

God confirmed his calling through this trip in three ways.

First, he showed us the spiritual emptiness of the Thai people. On our first visit to Thailand, we caught a glimpse of the country’s spiritual darkness in the countless idols that filled the streets and homes. This time, God deepened our awareness through personal encounters. We spoke with people on subways and university campuses, in malls and cafés. Despite limited English, many were eager to converse—some even admitted their disillusionment with Buddhism. One Buddhist man told me that although he faithfully visited temples and offered sacrifices, he knew that ultimately he had to rely on himself to gain salvation. The Buddhist teaching of emptiness can only lead to more emptiness of heart—a void that can be filled only with the fullness of Christ. God has opened our eyes to see Thailand as a harvest field, full of empty, lost souls. If it is not harvested, it will rot and die.

Second, God’s confirmation came through our children. When we first arrived in Thailand, they grumbled and complained a lot because of jet lag and the intense heat. We walked every day from subway station to destination, and a 30-minute walk under the blazing sun felt like a death march. One of our kids asked with exasperation, “Why did we come all the way to Thailand to suffer?” Yet as days passed and they tasted more of Thailand, their attitudes changed. By the end of the trip they were asking with excitement, “When are we going to move to Thailand?” What an encouragement to see God use this trip not only to prepare our hearts but also our children’s hearts for the work ahead.

Finally, God affirmed our calling through a teammate’s decision. She began the trip unsure whether to serve in Thailand or elsewhere, and we were careful not to pressure her as she was seeking to discern God’s guidance. Near the end she told us, “I’m not sure if this is good news or bad news for you, but I’ve decided to join your team.” Truly, it is God who works in us, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

So, this trip was profoundly confirming, yet we know doubts will return when sickness, conflict, hardship, or opposition arise, and we will start to wonder, “Did God really call us to Thailand?” But even in seasons of doubt, we can be sure that God will work in new ways to confirm his calling for us. He who calls us is faithful; he will surely do it.