“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5, English Standard Version).

Today is the time to go. Now. In fact, there’s never been a better time in history. Travel is easier than ever, even if airline seats are smaller than ever. With a few notable exceptions, the world is open like never before. Communication is unmatched. Find yourself in Africa and need to touch base with someone in Europe? No problem, you can email, phone, text, video call or chat online. You can even send a letter the old-fashioned way. Lost in a city? Relax, just get on your smartphone and download directions. Want to share a passage of scripture with an interested person but cannot carry a Bible? No worries, just show them the text, in their own language, on your phone.

It’s been said that history runs in cycles. Countries that are open to the gospel today will be closed tomorrow. Seemingly impossible barriers, like the Iron Curtain separating Eastern Europe from Western Europe, fall overnight. Our role is to go. We go where we can and we pray for doors to open into places we cannot. How long will our current era of openness last? We don’t know, but we do know that we must go while we are able.

You may say, “I’ll go once I’ve completed my internship”, or “I’ll go when my relationship status changes.” Or maybe you’re concerned about your career being adversely affected by serving as a missionary overseas. Other barriers like finances or parental approval might feel insurmountable. There will always be reasons why “now” might not feel like the right time to go. But what if God is calling you to go now?

As you finish these weeks of reading, consider these questions. Will you consider going somewhere in the world to share God’s love with lost people? Are you willing to put certain life and career goals on hold if that is what God is calling you to do? Pray that no barriers stand in your way as you follow God’s calling on your life. Finally, as you’ve done each day, pray for courage to follow wherever the Lord may lead.

If you are interested in checking out a mission trip right now, you can see the variety of trips offered by Cru at: cru.org/opportunities.

If you’d like to read more, you can order my book, GO: Following Jesus to the Ends of the Earth.