Being away from family is the toughest part about our lives as missionaries. We knew it would get even harder once our son was born. We were right.

We go through life with fathers, mothers, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. We subconsciously expect our lives to be vaguely similar as we eventually assume those roles ourselves. By moving to Ireland, Katy and I have completely altered the expectations our family had of their relationship with our son.

Katy and I are so blessed to have family that supports what we do and the decisions we've made. It's not just that they approved and gave their blessing. Many participate in our calling through prayer and giving. We're so grateful.

My mother-in-law pointed out an Oswald Chambers devotion not he subject. He says, "If we obey God, it will mean that other people's plans are upset…We could prevent the suffering, but not if we are obedient to God. We must let the cost be paid."

Chambers continues, "We can disobey God if we choose, and it will bring immediate relief to the situation, but it will grieve our Lord. If, however, we obey God, He will care for those who have suffered the consequences of our obedience. We must simply obey and leave all the consequences with Him."

When God calls, we must answer. In spite of what it looks like from our perspective, His ways are always better and will leave everyone involved most completely fulfilled. No matter the cost…we must obey. After all, He's not asking us to do anything He hasn't already done himself.

I leave you with Chambers' closing challenge, "Beware of the inclination to dictate to God what consequences you would allow as a condition of your obedience to Him."

All Oswald Chambers excerpts from My Utmost for His Highest, What My Obedience to God Costs Other People - January 11th.