John is a missional entrepreneur living with his family in Africa. They have committed themselves to learning the local language, building relationships, developing cultural understanding, and setting up a legitimate business to bless their community. John has made every effort to do things the right way, without cutting corners. However, he recently received an unexpected tax bill for $14,000. It turns out that doing things “the right way” is uncommon and even penalizes those who comply. He and his family are reeling.

Betty finally felt like she had overcome the challenge of making her business profitable after years of struggling to build stable cash flow in a difficult, underrepresented community in the U.S. Key partnerships with contractors had been essential to her progress, and she was grateful. Then, one contractor took offense at an honest misunderstanding and is now recruiting others to leave dishonest, damaging reviews. Betty is exhausted, confused, and demoralized.

Debbie and her husband Kevin are preparing to move to Europe for six months to study the local language and explore opportunities for a missional enterprise. A key part of this plan was Debbie’s ability to work remotely. However, with less than a month before their departure, Debbie’s boss now claims she never agreed to more than two weeks of remote work. Kevin and Debbie are in shock.1

Each of these situations calls for problem-solving, wise counsel, and strategic action, which these missonal enterprise leaders are pursuing. And yet, in this moment—when solutions seem far away and injustice and trials feel overwhelming—they are also engaging in a vital spiritual practice deeply rooted in our faith: lament.

A whole book of the Bible, Lamentations, is dedicated to this theme. Though lament may not be a popular or enjoyable topic, it is critically important. Pastor and author Mark Vroegop says this about the importance of lament:

Of all the people on the planet, Christians know the arc of redemptive history. We know what’s going to happen at the end. We know of the One who makes all wrongs right. And so it just seems to me that, of all the people on the planet, Christians ought to be the ones who master the language for the in-between world, and that is the language of lament.

In the New Testament, Paul had many opportunities to lament injustice and trials. He shares some of these experiences in his letters, often placing them alongside a surprising sense of hope. Some of the most encouraging and well-known passages about our confidence in God appear at the end of Romans 8: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (verse 28), and “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (verse 31). These exultant declarations follow an extended reflection on creation’s suffering—groaning like a woman in labor, longing for transformation. All of creation is groaning, eagerly awaiting the redemption of all things. We, too, groan as we wait. And when we do not know what to say, the Holy Spirit himself groans within us, interceding with expressions beyond words.

Lament is not meant to be practiced in isolation but in community. Are you in a season of lament? Perhaps you need to invite trusted friends to join you. Or maybe you are the one who needs to stand alongside a lamenting brother or sister.

Yes, we should take practical steps to resolve the challenges in our missional enterprises. But as we encounter trials and injustice—which are inevitable—let’s not forget that Scripture describes us as those who “groan inwardly as we wait eagerly” (Romans 8:23). Let’s embrace the opportunity to partner with the Holy Spirit, joining our brothers and sisters, and even all creation, in hopeful lament. For those looking for an introduction to the practice of lament, Mark Voegrop’s article “Lament Leads to Praise” can be a helpful introduction.

Verse of the Week:

“Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” — Romans 8:26 (ESV)

Through the Spirit’s intercession, let us lift up a hopeful lament in the midst of the challenges we and our fellow missional enterprise leaders face this week.