At some point in your spiritual journey, you may find yourself wrestling with a question that feels exciting and weighty: “Is God calling me to go on mission for Him?”  

While every follower of Christ is called to live on mission every day, there are moments when God invites us into something more specific, something cross-cultural and outside our comfort zone. It might be a call to go on a week-long mission trip, or something much more involved. 

So, how do you know when it’s genuinely a call from God? 

Over the years, I’ve recognized four key “signposts” that have helped confirm His direction. When these begin pointing in the same direction, I’ve found it’s usually God saying, “Go.” 

Signpost 1: The Word of God 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 

The Bible is our primary guide. Seeking guidance from scripture is not just reading a verse occasionally but reading and meditating on passages and chapters at a time, asking the Lord for understanding and guidance.  

Reading God’s word equips us to recognize God’s work in the world, including the open doors of opportunity for mission He sets before us. 

Important: The other signposts below will never contradict God’s Word. It’s the foundation and filter for all guidance. 

Signpost 2: The Counsel of Other Christians 

“Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.” – Proverbs 20:18 

God often uses trusted believers to speak into our lives. This doesn’t mean polling everyone you know. But it does mean surrounding yourself with godly people who will pray for you, encourage you, and be honest with you. 

We need voices willing to say what we need to hear, not just what we want to hear. 

Signpost 3: The Holy Spirit 

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” – John 16:13 

The Holy Spirit illuminates our minds through the Word of God and the words of others. He can also stir our hearts with a desire to go, serve, and share the gospel. 

How do we know if the desire is from Him? Ask yourself: 

• Does this desire align with God’s Word? 

•  Do trusted believers affirm it? 

•  Are my motives to glorify God or serve myself? 

• Am I walking in fellowship with God? 

Remember, clear direction becomes harder when sin clouds our judgment. Confession restores clarity. 

Signpost 4: Circumstances (Providence) 

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9 

God can also lead through the details of life, open doors, closed ones, timing, and the unexpected. 

For example, I’ve experienced times when I had no money or time for a mission trip, but God provided in ways that made it undeniably clear He was calling me. 

That said, don’t base your decision on circumstances alone. God often uses obstacles to strengthen your faith before He makes a way. 

Conclusion: Watch for alignment! 

If these signposts – Scripture, Godly counsel, the Holy Spirit, and providence – start to align regarding a call to mission, then trust that the Lord is leading you. Say yes! Step out in faith, asking Him for guidance and discernment every step of the way. 

And rest assured that when God says go, He’s already prepared the way and the work He wants to do in you and through you will be for your good and His glory! 

Living on mission is both a calling and a process. As you continue seeking God’s direction, you’ll find that biblical encouragement and practical steps often go hand in hand. That’s why at EvanTell, we’re committed to offering simple, gospel-centered guidance to get involved in God’s mission, so you can share your faith clearly and confidently, wherever He leads.