Several years ago, I was faced with a dilemma.

I had an innate desire to head to the mission field or be involved in vocational ministry, and I felt pressured to do so. I was at the point that I felt guilty that I was not actively pursuing a career in missions. Whether this pressure was external or self-imposed is irrelevant; the dilemma was real.

As I lamented over this issue, I shared this concern with a friend of mine. He quietly and simple stated, “God needs good laymen just as much as He needs good fulltime vocational people.”

This statement rang true in my heart. I knew I wanted and needed to serve the Lord with my all; however, it never occurred to me that staying at home was a viable option. My dilemma was solved!

After much prayer, a peace came over me that I could stay home and be a significant part in the active ministry of others who are called to full-time work. It has been estimated that for every infantry soldier, it takes nine supporting personnel — and that number doesn't include financing!

Not everyone should go and not everyone should stay; nevertheless, we all have an active part in the great commission. God needs people to stay and assume a supporting role. The important thing is that we are sensitive to His leading, whatever the call may be.