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Missions often comes with a cost—financial, emotional, and spiritual. Those who surrender to God’s call to take the gospel to the world frequently leave behind comfort, familiarity, and the security of home. They embrace a life of uncertainty, depending on God’s provision and the faithfulness of His people. Jesus made it clear that following Him would require sacrifice, saying in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” The call to missions is a call to self-denial, to laying aside personal ambitions for the sake of the gospel. Yet, when we consider the eternal reward—the souls saved, the lives transformed, and the glory given to Christ—the cost is more than worth it.

The Apostle Paul understood this sacrifice better than most. His commitment to the Great Commission led him through persecution, beatings, imprisonment, and even the threat of death. Yet he boldly declared in Acts 20:24, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Paul did not see his suffering as a loss but as a privilege—an opportunity to bring glory to God and to reach those who had never heard the name of Christ. His example reminds us that missions is not about comfort; it is about obedience. Those who step out in faith, despite the challenges, experience the joy of seeing God’s hand at work in ways they never could have imagined.

Beyond the personal sacrifices missionaries make, the cost of missions also extends to those who support them. Churches and individuals who commit to missions give sacrificially, often beyond what seems reasonable. But Scripture assures us that every investment in God’s work will bear eternal fruit. Jesus promised in Mark 10:29-30 that those who give up houses, family, and earthly security for His sake will receive “an hundredfold now in this time… and in the world to come eternal life.” God never overlooks the sacrifices made for His kingdom. Whether it is the missionary who gives up home and comfort, the church that faithfully sends financial support, or the believer who commits to prayer, every sacrifice in the name of Christ will be rewarded.

Today, take time to pray for missionaries who are sacrificing much for the sake of the gospel. Ask God to strengthen them, provide for them, and encourage them in their calling. Pray also for those considering the mission field—that they would not be deterred by fear of the cost but would trust God to supply their every need. Missions requires sacrifice, but the fruit it bears is eternal. May we be willing to give, to go, and to support those who are taking the gospel to the ends of the earth, knowing that the reward far outweighs the cost.